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Mar 31, 2021

Still frame of Porky Pig, Bugs Bunny and Elmer Fudd in Any Bonds Today? (1942), a Warner Bros. cartoon produced with the United States Treasury Department to promote the purchase of war bonds

At the time of WWII, American’s could not escape the global grasp of war which affected almost every aspect of life. As an effort to increase morale and raise funds, in the form of war bonds, animation played a major role in the effort. Cartoon heroes like Superman and Captain America offered escapism and patriotism during this bleak time.

War bonds perhaps received the most advertising and press. Animated cartoons allowed the government to spread their message in a much more entertaining manner. Bugs Bunny Bond Rally was a classic cartoon depicting Bugs Bunny singing and dancing around war bonds. It was during this time that Bugs achieved his popularity.

Bugs’ became an American cultural icon, and one of the most recognizable characters in the world; starring in more than 160 cartoon shorts produced between 1940 and 1964.

Open to all high school sophomores, juniors, seniors, and recently graduated seniors, the Summer CTE Academy is a five-week exploratory summer program that offers students the opportunity to experience various career and technical education programs offered at Honolulu Community College.

The high school age students met with Pearl Harbor naval shipyard officials and other organizations to learn about potential opportunities in the maritime industry, using virtual reality technology to replicate shipyard work. Academy students also had an opportunity to tour the USS Bowfin submarine and adjacent museum.

“There is a high demand for skilled workers at the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and in Hawaii’s maritime industry, said Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum executive director Chuck Merkel. “We want to help develop local students for good paying jobs here that will allow them to stay home, rather than relocating elsewhere.”