This Is Only a Test by B.J. Hollars

Wayne’s bombing problem, Fort Wayne mayor Harry Baals began receiving literature on the latest anti-bomb technology in order to safeguard the city from foreign attacks.
    For just $2.50, one could purchase a Bomb-Quench.
    â€œBomb-Quench may be used with complete ease by anyone in home or factory” claims the brochure. “Simply remove top fromthe tube carton, sprinkle free flowing Bomb-Quench over the burning bomb or magnesium fire.”
    Or if Fort Wayne citizens preferred, they could invest in the Bomb-Snatcher, an orange metal scoop that stifled unexploded bombs.
    â€œWith the Bomb-Snatcher, removal of burning bombs is speedy and safe,” the pamphlet promises.
    However, the people of Fort Wayne were far more interested in simply buying bombs themselves. A dozen practice incendiary bombs could be purchased for just over seven dollars.
    â€œOur Bomb is low in cost and its action similar to a real one,” the pamphlet assures prospective buyers. “Dispel the fear which nearly all persons have of an Incendiary Bomb by giving them an opportunity to see these PRACTICE INCENDIARY BOMBS demonstrated and actually allowing them to practice with one.”
    Intrigued, Commander Bowser wrote the Baltimore Fire Works Company: “Will you please advice [
sic
] us if you have available for demonstration purposes any small incendiary bombs. Also, quote us prices, quantities and delivery date.”
    There is no evidence Fort Wayne ever purchased a bomb, nor is there evidence we ever experienced one.
    A few years back, while driving along Jefferson Boulevard, I momentarily lost sight of the city’s one and only skyscraper. Thankfully, it remained intact—just hidden in the fog.
    Q. Do you feel that because of our inland location, the possibility of an air raid is very remote and that all these preparations are in vain?
    A. I certainly do not want to say such a raid is impossible here, nor do I want to say that it is sure to come. I dohowever know that if we are raided these precautions and this training program will be invaluable. You don’t carry fire insurance on your home because you are sure you will have a fire. You carry it for protection when it might be needed.
    If you look hard enough in Lindenwood Cemetery, eventually you’ll stumble across the gravestone of Victor F. Rea, the man responsible for creating the Rea Magnet Wire Company and bringing Hitler’s name to every citizen’s lips. If you look harder still, you’ll find Ryan Woodward’s grave as well, a slab of perfectly polished black marble, photos of him and his family laser-etched into the stone. Fourteen flags surround the monument, and even though the burial took place in 2007, at last glance there were still fresh roses resting their petaled heads against his name.
    I wonder what room we were in at Lindley Elementary when Ryan and I first learned of Hitler, learned what a bomb was, what small arms were, wondering if we would ever die by them and if so, who would remember our names.
    The day Truman announced the end of the war—August 14, 1945—the Fort Wayne newspapers were on strike. Airplanes buzzed over the city, though they did not drop bombs.
    They dropped leaflets.
    JAPAN SURRENDERS! TUNE INTO WGL FOR NEWS .
    According to local newspapers, Fort Wayne’s children crouched over the fallen materials and struggled to make out the words. When they finally did—sounding out every last syllable—thechildren ran up and down Bowser Avenue banging pots and pans, no longer fearing even fear itself.
    On Calhoun Street, cars honked as bells rang from the spared church steeples, while not far away, the GE symbol re-lit the sky.
    For the first time in a long time, Fort Wayne’s newspaper’s had good news to report
    Q. If we were to be subjected to a bombing attack, what type bombs would probably be used against us?
    A. We would first, in all probability, be bombed by Incendiary