Will Rogers Jr. embarked on a remarkable political journey in 1942, earning a seat as a Democratic congressman representing Southern California. Although his tenure in Congress was relatively brief, lasting only 17 months, his efforts to rescue the Jews of Europe during World War II would forever be etched in history.
In 1943, Rogers joined the Emergency Committee to Save the Jewish People of Europe, a move that marked the beginning of his tireless efforts to save countless lives. He introduced the Rescue Resolution, a groundbreaking bill that, if passed, would have established safe havens for Jewish refugees in nearby neutral countries. Despite his valiant efforts, the bill ultimately failed to pass, largely due to opposition from President Franklin D. Roosevelt and his administration.
Rogers' dedication to his cause did not waver, and he continued to fight for the rights of the Jewish people. He resigned from Congress in 1944 and returned to the US Army as a tank commander, serving with distinction and earning decorations for bravery during the war.
In the post-war period, Rogers attempted to revive his political career, making an unsuccessful bid for the US Senate in 1946. As the years went by, he turned his attention to the entertainment industry, pursuing a career in show business and entertainment.
However, Rogers' later years were marked by personal struggles and health issues. He suffered from heart disease and a series of strokes, which left him in great pain. In his early 80s, he underwent hip implant surgery, but the procedure only served to exacerbate his suffering.
In the end, Rogers made the difficult decision to take his own life, driving into the desert and shooting himself in the head at the age of 81. Despite the challenges he faced, Rogers' legacy lives on, a testament to his unwavering commitment to justice and his unrelenting spirit.
