Lest we forget
Published 10:46 am Thursday, May 7, 2015
Certain dates punctuate our history as Americans. Nov. 11, 1918, Dec. 7, 1941. June 6, 1944. Nov. 22, 1963. Sept. 11, 2001.
My late father engraved an additional date on the cortex of my memory. Because he was an eyewitness to the surrender ceremony in Tokyo Bay that ended World War II, Dad would not let my brother and me forget Sept. 2, 1945. Because of his willingness to recall details of that decisive day aboard the USS Missouri, the anniversary of that historical event provides me with a tangible connection to my father six years after his death.
This past week called to mind yet another significant date that we dare not forget. Last Friday was the 70th anniversary of V-E Day. On May 8, 1945, just days after Hitler committed suicide in the Battle of Berlin, the Allied Forces accepted Germany’s unconditional surrender. This victory in Europe allowed the world to breathe a unifying sigh of relief.
As Harry Truman blew out 61 candles on his birthday cake that day, he was grateful the anniversary of his birth would be overshadowed by the announcement across the Atlantic. While American flags would continue to fly at half-staff for another week (to mourn FDR’s death April 12), the patriotic hearts of Americans proudly beat in unison.
All the same, because the curtain had not yet fallen on the conflict in the South Pacific theatre, the Truman show prevented a full-scale celebration. Four more months of conflict would have to be waged before the concluding credits would be screened.
Just as President Truman’s birthday was overshadowed by V-E Day, so V-E Day was eclipsed by V-J Day in my family. My dad’s personal experience influenced which date on the calendar we honored. But had my dad fought in the Battle of the Bulge, such would not have been the case. For many of my college classmates, the European theatre of World War II was the context for their fathers’ contribution to the protection of our freedoms. As such, V-E Day gave them pause for appropriate pride and grateful reflection.
Ironically, when my parents purchased vacation property in Chelan 35 years ago, the lakeside home included an indelible reminder of the Second World War. But it wasn’t the exact sentiment my father would have chosen had it been left up to him. Herb Hamel, who built the home seven decades ago, had his own idea. He made sure his neighbors would never forget the theatre in which his friends had fought. In the cement breakwater, Mr. Hamel engraved “V-E Day 1945.”
Whenever our family enjoys time at Lake Chelan, I am reminded of the anniversary we celebrate this week. But I am also provided an opportunity to reflect on the fact that one person’s experience of life does not define another’s. Patriotism comes in a variety of colors.
What was important to Herb Hamel was not identical to what mattered most to Edwin Asimakoupoulos. The same is true for me and you. My religious persuasion may differ from yours. My political perspective won’t likely line up with yours. Unique experiences each of us have had shape the way we view the world. Our families of origin influence the values that in turn filter our choices.
This week I am thankful for those Americans who sacrificed their lives in Europe and in the South Pacific. Because of the blood they shed, you and I have the freedom to express our personal opinions and celebrate our differences. The flag that continues to fly over our 50 United States grants us permission to disagree.
It was a demonic demagogue in Europe who tried his best to eliminate diversity. Hitler’s war on humanity will haunt the history books for centuries to come. But V-E Day is a lasting reminder that we won that war 70 years ago.
