Amish Alternative Service during World War II (feb 12, 1941 – aug 15, 1945)
Description:
The U.S. and Canadian governments accept alternative service options for conscientious objectors (CO's): the American Civilian Public Service (CPS) and the Canadian Alternative Service Work (ASW). About 772 OldOrder Amish men are drafted, and all of them declare themselves CO's. Amish draftees work nonmilitary assignments and stay in special CO camps. They provide free labor in forestry projects, hospitals, social work and on farms. Many also receive farm deferments and may work at home because agricultural production supports the national interest during war.
Added to timeline:
Date:
feb 12, 1941
aug 15, 1945
~ 4 years and 6 months