World War II wasn’t a great war but a necessary war. The Allied Forces were fighting military imperialism and atrocities against humanity. On this date, Aug. 15, 1945, Japan surrended as it was called VJ Day (Victory over Japan) as the war was coming to an end finally after six years.
The surrender would officially be on Sept. 2, 1945, six years and one day to the day Nazi Germany invaded Poland setting off the events that would define a generation and change the world. The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs reports there are only about 31,000 Americans who served still alive and the number is dwindling each day.
That can be understood. It’s been 81 years since the war ended and 85 years since the Pearl Harbor attacks. Even for those allowed in military service at 17 in 1944 or 1945, any remaining vets have to be in their late 90s. One day very soon, they’ll all be deceased and one person will receive the distinction of being the last American to serve during WWII.
On July 29, Jeanne Gibson, 100, who worked in a shipyard as a welder during WWII, passed away. She was one of the inspirations for Rosie the Riveter. Millions of Americans rolled up their sleeves and did their duties either here or overseas for America. Yet it seems we’ve forgotten and feel war is now needed for greedy businesspeople or politicians with inflated egos.
I don’t know the whole story of the U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln and I don’t think many know but this isn’t the way to treat our active military or any Americans in general just because our President doesn’t want to look too bad before the elections.
It’s a disgrace to the memory and sacrifices of those who fought and died in WWII to let this go on much longer. Let’s not forget. Please remember those who on this day who didn’t get to celebrate the end of the war and their friends and family who mourned and grieved for them.
Zane Says 