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National Salvation Army Week, May 9-15, 2004
A Brief History of National Salvation Army Week
President Dwight D. Eisenhower
(1953 - 1961)
"Among Americans, The Salvation Army has long been a symbol of
wholehearted dedication to the cause of human brotherhood. In time
of war, the men and women of this organization have brought to those
serving their country far from home, friendliness and warm concern. In
the quieter days of peace, their work has been a constant reminder to
us all that each of us is neighbor and kin to all Americans. giving freely
of themselves, the men and women of The Salvation Army have won
the respect of us all."
A Brief History of National Salvation Army Week
For over 75 years, from 1880 to 1954, The Salvation Army in the United States grew into a strong force for good in the lives of Americans everywhere. They transformed from small bands of uniformed men and women calling out to the poor, the something, the huddled masses to a large group with the capacity to enable change.
It is this transformation that the Eighty-third congress of the United States recognized. That year they declared, and President Dwight D. Eisenhower proclaimed, the week of November 28 to December 4, 1954 to be the first National Salvation Army Week.
The dates have changed, but the work of This Army remains the same: to serve those in need without discrimination.
The work of The Salvation Army during the time of President Eisenhower:
1. Maternity homes for unwed mothers
a. The loving and supportive atmosphere of The Salvation Army maternity homes were so widely respected during this time that there was generally a two month waiting list for a room. One Army caseworker told a writer for The Saturday Evening Post that the nationally syndicated columnist “Dear Abby” was the Army’s most influential source of referrals – so much so that Army officials had to remind Abby several times that there were other agencies as well with worthwhile maternity homes.
2. The beginning of The Salvation Army’s substance abuse programs for men
a. These programs are still going strong and are called Adult Rehabilitation Centers. The famous Salvation Army thrift stores actually provide the funding for these centers and jobs for those recovering from substance abuse within the programs.
3. Small brass bands played weekly on the nation’s street corners.
a. Brass bands have long been a Salvation Army tradition. During the 1950’s, these weekly “open-air meetings” were as well known as the Christmas-time kettles are now. In fact, the Army’s brass bands were so well liked that The Salvation Army in the western United States began its own radio program called “The Army of Stars,” which was played all across the nation.
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