re: Relatives that served in World War 2

One uncle was learning how to use a BAR when his father was diagnosed with TB. The Army sent him home to run the farm.
Another uncle had a wife and a couple of kids and stayed home to run his farm.
A third uncle served by working at Oak Ridge.
A fourth uncle was in the Army, but I don't know where he served.
My dad was about to start flight school when the war ended. He served in the Air Force reserves, eventually becoming a LT Colonel.

On my mom's side, her brother was in the merchant marines during the war. My mom did stints in the local lighthouse watching for U-boats.

That war touched the entire country as no other war has, save the Civil War.