Still not sure what's going on?
Oh yeah. Pearl Harbor. The entry of the United States to World War 2.
It seems to me, though, that the only people really commemorating the anniversary today are history buffs, WW2 vets, and the few people still alive who were around back in 1941.
It seems to me, though, that the only people really commemorating the anniversary today are history buffs, WW2 vets, and the few people still alive who were around back in 1941.
I mean, Google didn't even commemorate the anniversary with a Google Doodle.
Contrast this to the attacks on the Pentagon and the World Trade Center. It's been just over 11 years and the majority of the country still gathers in commemoration and sometimes mourning. There are differing reactions to it, some regard the victims as heroes. Some argue that we ought to move on and stop fighting terror wars in the Middle East. Some are almost indifferent, having little connection to the people and events of the day. But the popular motto of the day is "We shall never forget".
This is a nice sentiment, certainly for those who lost loved ones in the attacks, to never have their sacrifices for their country be forgotten, whether they were in the towers, the pentagon, on the planes, or part of the response teams. But is this a promise that we can really keep?
You see, time heals all wounds. You may be skeptical of this statement, but given enough time, pain eventually loses its sting. Which is why today, Pearl Harbor Day, is not a big deal to anyone. No songs sung, no grand memorial services, no public programs..maybe a special on the History Channel. It's not because we've forgotten that Japan attacked us 71 years ago, it's that the pain of the event has dulled for us as a country. We're no longer bitter enemies with Japan, we've since recovered in Pearl Harbor, and it's not weighing on our minds and hearts anymore. We've moved on and replaced that pain with other pains since.
And one day in the future, we'll adopt the same attitude about September 11th. Those with a very personal connection will still honor the day, but their grief will diminish from year to year. Perhaps we'll pull out of our Middle Eastern turmoils, and maybe even form alliances with those nations who have harmed us. (After all, we did so with Japan, Germany, and other Axis powers.) We'll still remember, but the event will be far in the back of our minds.
So take a minute, if you would, to pay some respect to our Armed Forces. If you have a personal connection to a serviceman or woman, thank them. But don't feel too bad for not going to extremes to commemorate an event. After all, you can barely see America's Pearl Harbor scars anymore.
And one day in the future, we'll adopt the same attitude about September 11th. Those with a very personal connection will still honor the day, but their grief will diminish from year to year. Perhaps we'll pull out of our Middle Eastern turmoils, and maybe even form alliances with those nations who have harmed us. (After all, we did so with Japan, Germany, and other Axis powers.) We'll still remember, but the event will be far in the back of our minds.
So take a minute, if you would, to pay some respect to our Armed Forces. If you have a personal connection to a serviceman or woman, thank them. But don't feel too bad for not going to extremes to commemorate an event. After all, you can barely see America's Pearl Harbor scars anymore.
Thank you!
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