A goal of the Missouri 50th Anniversary of World War II Commemorative Community Committee is to inform those without first-hand knowledge of the war what the United States and other free nations fought for during the war that involved three-quarters of all nations and spanned four years.

Jim S. Whitfield of Chesterfield is chairman of the committee, which was created in July by Gov. Mel Carnahan. The committee is a part of the Department of Defense 50th Anniversary of World War II Commemorative Community program.

"The program is a grass-roots effort to recruit and involve communities in sponsoring and conducting local activities and events to commemorate the 50th anniversary of World War II," Whitfield said.

Most young people are not aware that during the war many commodities such as gasoline, meat, sugar, chewing gum and chocolate bars were rationed and that each family member was issued a ration book so items could be purchased in limited amounts, if available.

A 1985 Life magazine survey revealed three out of five Americans had no knowledge of World War II, in which almost 15 million people died in battle and more than 38 million people were killed.

In 1990, Newsweek magazine reported that almost one-third of America's 17-year-olds could not identify which countries the United States fought against in World War II, even though many historians have referred to the war as the central event of the 20th century.

Shirley Young of Scott City has been involved in the 50th anniversary commemoration since it started in 1991. Young is state chairman for commemorative events of the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution. Young said the Missouri DAR chapters planted Victory Gardens at members' homes and conducted aluminum recycling drives similar to those held during the war.

Young said the DAR also conducts programs in schools across the state to talk about the significance of World War II.

The commemorative period runs from Dec. 7, 1991, to Nov. 11, 1995.

Whitfield said schools, libraries, universities, historical societies, churches, senior citizens centers, veterans organizations, service clubs, social clubs, fraternal organizations, youth groups, groups of interested citizens, the news media, and companies or corporations can apply for qualification as a commemorative community.

"The only thing we ask is that you agree to sponsor or conduct three activities or events relating to World War II during 1994 and 1995," said Whitfield. "It's easy to apply, but nothing will happen until we become involved in commemorating an important and historic period in the history of the world and our nation."

For details on the program, or to obtain an application to become a commemorative community, write: DOD 50th Anniversary of WWII Commemorative Committee, 1213 Jefferson Davis Highway, Crystal Gateway Four, Suite 702-D, Crystal City, Va. 22202-4303.