Any Bonds Tonight - Emblem of Peach March (Partial)

Summary

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Episode Summary: “Any Bonds Tonight - Emblem of Peace March (Partial)”

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Date: April 1, 2026
Theme:
This episode, drawn from the World War II era, honors American industry and individuals supporting the war effort through the purchase of war bonds. With stirring music, heartfelt speeches, and tributes to the "soldiers of production," it places listeners inside a live 'bond rally' broadcast, showcasing the patriotic fervor and unifying spirit of the time.

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1. Main Theme and Purpose

• The episode is a partial rebroadcast of a wartime radio bond rally, blending music, tributes to wartime industry, and passionate appeals for Americans to buy war bonds.
• The overarching purpose is to motivate the public to financially support America’s fighting forces by purchasing bonds, and to honor the workers and companies contributing to the war effort.
• Key musical and spoken interludes (such as "Emblem of Peace March" and “San Fernando Valley”) serve as cultural touchstones, blending entertainment with mobilization.

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2. Key Discussion Points & Insights

The War Effort and Financial Support

• Opening Call to Action ([00:14]):
  • Speaker A lists the staggering costs of military equipment (e.g., B29: $600,000; P47: $50,000; M4 tank: $67,000).
  • Emphasizes the urgent need for public support through war bonds.
  • Manufacturing firms urge listeners to "buy at least one extra $100 war bond."
  • Quote:

    “That's why you were asked to support every war loan drive. Keep faith with our fighting men. It's up to you to follow through.” (A, 00:30)

Tributes to the “Soldiers of Production”

• Salutes to American companies and their workers who innovate and meet incredible production goals, notably:
  • Seacchi Brothers: Recognized for electrical welding equipment for aircraft manufacture.
  • Central Architectural Ironworks: Honored for fulfilling their pledge to work hard and maximize war bond investments.
  • Butler Brothers: Praised for their role in the wartime economy, with a recruitment call for non-war industry workers to join the cause.

Musical Interludes

• "Emblem of Peace March" ([01:03]):
  • Jack Kelly and his “musical bond salesman” begin the show with a rousing patriotic march.
• "San Fernando Valley" ([04:38]):
  • A sentimental performance evoking dreams of postwar life and belonging, further lifting morale.
  • Quote:

    “I’m packing my trip and I’m leaving today... I’m gonna settle down and nevermore, and make the San Fernando Valley my home.” (B, 04:38-07:26)

Inspirational Speech: Mr. Carl E. Payne

• [07:26]
  • Carl E. Payne (Sales Manager, Oscar W. Headstrom Corporation) gives a moving speech about the American flag as a symbol of liberty, and the importance of everyone contributing to the war effort.
  • Denounces forced labor elsewhere, instead appealing to Americans' patriotism and generosity.
  • Notable Quote:

    “That’s all it is, just a piece of cloth. You can count the threads in it and find it’s no different from any other piece of cloth. But then a little breeze comes along and it stirs and comes to life…and it’s a symbol of liberty and decency and fair dealing for everyone.” (C, 07:42)

  • Notable Quote:

    “...That flag is just a piece of cloth until we all breathe life into it. Until we each make it stand for anything we believe in and refuse to live without. Let’s all back that belief with every dollar we can invest in United States war bonds. At least 10% of your income.” (C, 08:51)

Continued Salutes and Final Appeals

• Tributes Continue: ([09:33])

  • Alloy Steel Gear and Pinion Company: Praised for earning the Army-Navy “E” Emblem for exceptional production.
  • Jefferson Electric Company: Lauded for building communications equipment, “the voice of victory.”
  • Oscar W. Headstrom Corporation: Commended for their war bond record and specialty products crucial for victory.

• Final Rallying Call ([09:33- End]):

  • Listeners are reminded of their ability to support the front lines via purchasing bonds, with specific details on how to do so.
  • Quote:

    “And remember, victory is everyone’s job.” (A, 09:33)

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3. Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Keep faith with our fighting men. It’s up to you to follow through.” (A, 00:30)
• “That’s all it is, just a piece of cloth... But then a little breeze comes along and it stirs and comes to life… a symbol of liberty and decency and fair dealing for everyone.” (C, 07:42)
• “That flag is just a piece of cloth until we all breathe life into it... Let’s all back that belief with every dollar we can invest in United States war bonds.” (C, 08:51)
• “Victory is everyone’s job.” (A, 09:33)

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4. Important Segments & Timestamps

• 00:14: Opening War Effort Appeal – Costs of war and the need for bonds
• 01:03: Introduction of the musical program and first tributes to companies
• 04:38: “San Fernando Valley” – uplifting musical segment
• 07:26: Introduction and motivational speech by Carl E. Payne
• 09:33: Final tributes, bond purchase instructions, and closing rally

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Summary Flow & Tone

This episode delivers a blend of American optimism, collective responsibility, and emotional patriotism typical of WWII radio. The speakers' words are earnest and direct, urging listeners to see themselves as vital participants in the nation's fight for freedom, not just passive supporters. Honoring factory workers as “soldiers of production” and stirring musical numbers reinforce a palpable spirit of unity and shared sacrifice. The closing reminders to buy war bonds and participate underscore the democratic ideal that “victory is everyone’s job”—a message as inspiring as it is practical.

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Transcript

[A]

Any bombs tonight? A B29 Superfortress costs $600,000. A P47 Thunderbolt 50,000. An M4 tank, $67,000. And we need hundreds of each to deliver the knockout blow. That's why you were asked to support every war loan drive. Keep faith with our fighting men. It's up to you to follow through. The American manufacturing and business firms you'll hear from tonight urge you to buy at least one extra $100 war bond. The easy WCFL way.

[B]

We wish to be of service. And bonds will be place to sell. So send your check for that extra bond to wcfl.

[A]

That's the easy WCFL way. And now Jack Kelly and his musical bond salesman start the show with the emblem of peace march. Tonight's honor roll. We salute the Americans at work at Seacchi Brothers for their important part in filling war needs. Their electrical welding equipment for aircraft manufacture has helped to reach and surpass seemingly unattainable production goals. Our tribute to the soldiers of production at Central Architectural Ironworks of Chicago. For their significant war accomplishments. They are fulfilling their pledge to work hard and make maximum investments in war bonds to speed victory and urge all Americans to join them. We salute Butler Brothers, America's outstanding national distributor of general merchandise. For its important contribution to our wartime economy. Men and women not now engaged in a war industry Are urged to investigate the opportunities offered when you work at Butler Brothers, Randolph and Canal Street. Now the pioneers bring you a popular melody of the past season. Which promises to be a favorite through the years. San Fernando Valley.

[B]

I'm packing my trip and I'm leaving today. Cause I'm taking a trip California way. I'm going to settle down and nevermore. And make the San Fernando Valley my home. I'll forget my sins. I'll be making new friends. Where the west begins and the sunset ends. Cause I've decided where yours truly should be. And it's the San Fernando Valley for me. I think that I am safe in statin. She will be waiting when my lonely journey is done. And kindly old Reverend Thomas made us a promise. He will make the two of us one. So I'm hitting the trail to the cow country. You can forward my mail care of RFD I'm gonna settle down and nevermore. And make the San Fernando Val my home. Sail to the cow country. You can forward my mail tara.rfd I'm going to settle down and nevermore. And make the San Fernando Valley my home.

[A]

It is our distinct pleasure to welcome back to our Bond rally microphone. Mr. Carl E. Payne, sales manager of Oscar W. Headstrom Corporation. They join our honor roll members in wishing one and all a happy new year. Mr. Payne.

[C]

Thank you, Paul. That's all it is, just a piece of cloth. You can count the threads in it and find it's no different from any other piece of cloth. But then a little breeze comes along and it stirs and comes to life and flutters and sways in the wind. All red, white and blue. A symbol of liberty and decency and fair dealing for everyone. Our boys in the various theaters of war need more tanks, guns, planes and ammunition. How can they get the needed material force people the way they do in Germany and Japan? No, sir. We're going to help. Every one of us. Oscar W. Headstrom Corporation, like millions of others, are working tirelessly not only to supply some of the material lacking from our boys, but we are lending our money to fight for a world that's free and peaceful and worth living in and which again, will provide freedom of opportunity for all. Yes, that flag is just a piece of cloth until we all breathe life into it. Until we each make it stand for anything we believe in and refuse to live without. Let's all back that belief with every dollar we can invest in United States war bonds. At least 10% of your income. Thank you.

[A]

Thank you, Mr. Payne.

[B]

So be American, think American, start to do it today. Show the world how you feel. Put your shoulder to the wheel and live the American way.

[A]

And now, the other members of tonight's honor roll. We salute the soldiers of production at alloy steel gear and pinion company. Their devotion to duty has won them for the fourth time the coveted army navy e emblem, symbol of the highest production award our country can bestow. They are resolved to keep that flag flying with hard work. Our tribute to the men and women at work at Jefferson electric Company, Bellwood, Illinois, who are justly proud of their part in building communications equipment for radio. The voice of victory. Let's make that voice heard around the world by buying bonds tonight. Last but surely far from least, we salute employees and executives at Oscar W. Headstrom corporation for their splendid war bond record and for producing castings, patterns and precision instruments an exclusive Headstrong product. Oh 38, an aluminum alloy is an important element of victory. And remember, victory is everyone's job. Well, that's about all of the 845 edition of the bond rally. We'll be back again at 9:15 tonight with more fine music by Jack Kelly and his orchestra, songs by Larry Oliver and any bonds tonight. May we remind you to send your check made payable to WCFL Incorporated for 1875, 37.50 or 75 to this station, WCFL Chicago 11. We'll send your 2550, a $100 bond back to you right away. This is Paul Snyder saying thank you and good night. Wcfl Chicago 11.