1945 Kensington High School Yearbook, Part 2 of 3

"As the war moves toward a successful conclusion, the editors of the Compass feel that it is an appropriate time to turn our attention to our own home city, Buffalo;  the city to which many of the Kensington boys now in foreign lands will soon be returning.  Our division pages will tell the story of Buffalo's part in the war and of our own aspirations to help create an even better city when peace has come.  Our artists have depicted the  commerce, industry, cultural and recreational centers, and all the assets that make Buffalo worthy of her title - Queen City of the Lakes."

"Buffalo's industries, pictured on the opposite page, are many and varied.  Some, notably shipping and flour-milling, are outstanding nationally.  Equally important are the small, privately-owned forms making everything from hair pins to nuts and bolts."

"But it is the airplane and steel-manufacturing plants that have played the greatest wartime role.  Kensington boys, who are now serving their country, must feel proud of Buffalo as the great planes from Curtiss and Bell join in the fight for freedom."

The Bell Aircraft Factory was part of Bell Aircraft, founded in 1935 by Lawrence D. Bell.

Glenn Curtiss founded Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company.  Here's one of their WWII-era planes, the SB2C Helldiver:

"The knowledge that Japan still resisted dimmed the horns and quieted the clamor of the gay celebrants.  Thousands of American fighting men still fought and died on Okinawa and the other approaches to Tokyo.  For them tthere was no V-Dayy.  There was only fighting and then more fighting."

"But there was hope for a final V-Day - a V-J Day . . ."