https://peertube.dngr.us/videos/watch/e53ccfb2-6f10-4655-bf01-7253d59dbfc2 "Statesmen in Overalls" is a 1951 promotional film for the Christian Rural Overseas Program, also known as C.R.O.P., an ambitious private relief effort that pre-dated the Marshall Plan in Europe. Christian Rural Overseas Program (CROP) began its operation in August 1947 under the sponsorship of Church World Service. A year later Lutheran World Service and the Catholic Rural Life Conference became co-sponsors, but withdrew in 1952. For a time nearly all Catholic, Protestant and Lutheran church was participating in CROP. The effort saved untold numbers of lives, through the generosity of American farmers. CROP was organized to solicit and receive bulk gifts-in-kind from American farmers during the harvest season for needy people overseas. Each cooperating state had its own director and committee who in turn worked through county and local committees. Active solicitation and collection was carried on by local church representatives on the principle of American Christians sharing with their needy brethren overseas. Gifts received were distributed through church agencies abroad among the most needy regardless of race, creed, or color. 0:33 - 0:54: The film begins with a philosophical and biblical reference, stating "in the beginning was the word," leading into the chaos and destruction of war, highlighting death and devastation. 1:05 - 2:04: Post-war, the world is described as filled with misery both in the East and West, with Europe and the Orient depicted in despair. It discusses how only large governmental and international agencies could initially address the overwhelming need for relief. 2:06 - 2:39: The narrative shifts to the role of religious organizations, becoming crucial in relief efforts, particularly in addressing spiritual needs as government aid was curtailed. The United States is noted as being more fortunate, with its rural areas described as an Eden compared to the devastated world. 2:43 - 3:15: American farmers are portrayed as understanding the link between food and peace, leading to the creation of CROP (Christian Rural Overseas Program), which involves three religious organizations pooling resources to aid global relief. 3:18 - 4:51: CROP is detailed as a successful initiative because it directly appealed to American farmers' faith and their abundance, leading to substantial contributions of crops and livestock. The program's success in saving lives and fostering international gratitude is highlighted. 4:54 - 6:54: The impact of CROP food distribution is further explored, showing how it not only fed people but also restored faith and hope, encouraging a sense of global community and peace. It's noted that food from American farmers was a counter to the appeal of tyrants, emphasizing food's role in peace. 6:57 - 8:52: The logistics of CROP are described, including how local, county, and state levels organize, culminating in shipments like the Friendship Food Ship and Friendship Trains, which were symbolic acts of solidarity. 8:56 - 10:11: The script questions why the need persists despite the efforts, explaining that for many, the war hasn't truly ended, with ongoing issues in places like Korea, India, and Palestine. 10:15 - 12:59: Specific groups needing aid are detailed: the homeless, elderly, and children, particularly orphans from war-torn regions. The script advocates for continued support through CROP to provide not just sustenance but also a future for these groups. 13:02 - 14:10: The film concludes by emphasizing the ongoing necessity for CROP due to reduced government aid with increased defense spending, urging American farmers to continue their contributions as a foundation for peace and friendship globally. Motion picture films don't last forever; many have already been lost or destroyed. We collect, scan and preserve 35mm, 16mm and 8mm movies -- including home movies, industrial films, and other non-fiction. If you have films you'd like to have scanned or donate to Periscope Film, we'd love to hear from you. Contact us via the link below. This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD and 2k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBYAipB9YA8 Mirrored from Periscope Film (https://www.youtube.com/@PeriscopeFilm) Fri, 12 Jun 2026 03:20:37 GMT https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html PeerTube - https://peertube.dngr.us https://peertube.dngr.us/lazy-static/avatars/41a6fee9-7f57-42d0-a5fc-5db4f1af2e31.png https://peertube.dngr.us/videos/watch/e53ccfb2-6f10-4655-bf01-7253d59dbfc2 All rights reserved, unless otherwise specified in the terms specified at https://peertube.dngr.us/about and potential licenses granted by each content's rightholder.