By MATTHEW NASH
I understand that most Americans are very busy this time of year. Shopping at the mall, decorating the house, entertaining family and friends, church and school plays, from Halloween until the New Year everyone is busy. There is little time to fit anything else into our already over crowded schedules. Is it possible to take some time to remember two of the most important days in United States history?
The end of World War I and the beginning of World War II are both listed on most American calendars. Armistice Day, commemorating the end of World War I was first observed in 1919, one year after President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the end of hostilities in Europe on the “Eleventh hour of the Eleventh day of the Eleventh month.” In 1953, by act of Congress, the day was changed to Veterans Day to honor all those that have served in the armed forces.
In his speech before Congress on Dec. 8, 1941, Franklin Roosevelt described the events that took place the day before, “a ‘date’ that will live in infamy” as he described the bombing at Pearl Harbor by the Empire of Japan. He deliberately listed the date of Dec. 7 later in his speech to emphasize that Americans should not forget what transpired that Sunday morning. Have Americans properly remembered these two dates?
The events of Sept. 11, 2001, are still etched in everyone’s minds. Every year there is a memorial service held in New York City, at The Pentagon, and in the field near Shanksville, Penn., where the four planes were crashed. Bumper stickers proclaim “WE WILL NEVER FORGET” but once these bumper stickers wear off, will their sentiments still be completely accurate?
My children were too young to remember what took place that day. When they are adults and the loved ones of those killed are gone will that date be relegated to be remembered by only a date on the calendar?
The death toll from 9/11 is 2,992 compared to 2,403 American services members killed in the bombing of Pearl Harbor. They are generally considered the 4th and 6th deadliest days in our country’s history. As time passes will these dates be comparable in the way that they are remembered? It is my hope that they will be given the same significance and place in United States history.
In his letter to the editor in the Dec. 1 edition of “The Evening News,” Jack Sandlin, of Jeffersonville, voices his dismay when it comes to our community’s remembrance of Veterans Day. As a veteran, he was disappointed for lack of any type of public service in Southern Indiana. He asks the question “Can this community do better next year?”
There are two restaurants that do honor veterans for their service to our country. Applebee’s and Golden Corral both provided free meals for those who served in the military.
On this past Monday the only mention that I noticed of Pearl Harbor Day was a short blurb on the evening news that proclaimed that all flags in Kentucky were to be set at half mast to remember the events of Dec. 7, 1941. There was also an Associated Press article in the other local paper that told the story of someone that would be making a trip back to Pearl Harbor for the 68th anniversary of the attacks. I did not see anything about any service or remembrance that was held.
Mr. Sandlin said it very eloquently, “those men and women who have and are serving deserve our highest regards.” We must take time out of our busy holiday schedules to remember those who have served.
Next year, Veterans Day and Pearl Harbor Day need to be more than just a day on the calendar. We owe it to those who gave their lives for this country. It is the least we can do. Next year, we will do better.
Matthew Nash appreciates all those who serve or have served in the United States Armed forces. He can be reached at dmatthewnash@gmail.com
