As mentioned in the comments, you could use the onValidate attribute to call a custom javascript function. Not quite as elegant as using a cfselect (which you said you cannot use). But it does combine the alerts, and without hacking into the internal functions.
If for some reason you cannot use onValidate, then you probably will have to dig into the internals.
I think the only way you can do it is to just call CF build-in javascript function from your customized function like following code.
I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.