The boys in this Acme news photo from August 1944 have dug themselves a fine foxhole and are ready for any invasion. Young boys are often fascinated with warfare and military life, and especially during wartime playing “Army” may have helped the feel connected to their fathers, uncles, older brothers overseas.

From the caption:

“From the expressions and raised guns of these ‘signalmen’, their foxhole in Hempstead must be under heavy fire. The soldier at left is communicating by ‘walkie-talkie’ with the soldier wearing overseas cap, at right. Probably ordinary conversational tones can’t be heard over the din of battle. The kids dug this foxhole themselves. (8/14/44)”