As the specter of a second world war grew, so did Bangor's strategic
importance in eastern Maine. National Draft Day saw 3,157 local men
register to serve, and the city built up its Dow Field as the nation
braced for war. Nearly 6,000 servicemen and women called Dow their home
base throughout World War II. Organizations like the local Soldiers
Welfare Council and the USO welcomed the troops even as women stepped
into roles vacated by enlisted men and worked tirelessly to keep up the
community's patriotic spirit. Bangor and its world-class air base stood
strong at home as its native sons fought valiantly on the warfront.