Just the other day I bought a CD of the various songs of Christmas from the World War II era and got a surprise when I found a special CD of the Stage Door Canteen along with it.

That CD brought back memories of a kinder gentler time that existed in the hearts and minds of people in America who during those dark days of World War II, made the servicemen of every country that was fighting tyranny feel at home.

All those directors, producers, comedians, actors and actresses in the U.S. gave of themselves unstintingly with no reservations at all and who served at tables of the men of the U.S. and allied armed forces that came to the N.Y. While most of the servicemen who came to the Stage Door Canteen were Americans no one was turned away. Not leaving out the kindness of the American girls that volunteered to serve at the Stage Door Canteen as hostesses who were really friendly.

A lot of us were too young to even understand the sacrifice made in both money and time by all those who helped make the Stage Door Canteen a home away from home to Aussies, Britons, French or any other nationality and members of the armed forces of the British Commonwealth and Empire who were in New York at the time. The undertaking was one of immense proportions yet no one complained, and that was the beauty of it. Hollywood had indeed outdone itself by opening its up heart to all those who entered the Stage Door Canteen. Indeed they had really given their hearts to the Stage Door Canteen

How many times have we seen the entertainment industry take such a delight in helping those so far from home by making their guests feel that the Stage Door Canteen was their second home?

I may not always agree with the stand sometimes taken by the U.S. government, but I will say this, that the American people will spare no effort when members of their allies are confronted with problems and are in a bind overseas. The Stage Door Canteen was a way to do their bit in making those terrible times of Worlds War II easier to bear for those men so far from hearth and home. My brothers Joey 19-years old was one of those merchant seamen, and since he may never have said it, let me say it on his behalf: Thank You Hollywood! Just for being there when you were needed most, and for filling in that void of loneliness with caring, especially when they were in a place so far from home and family.

Of course, I will admit that at times I too have upbraided the U.S. government, but I can assure you that I will never find fault with you the American people because in a sense you were too were my kith and kin whether I liked it or not.

Kenneth T. Tellis

Kenneth Tellis' Magic City Column