Today marks the 75th anniversary of V-J Day, when Japan surrendered, marking the end of World War II, the greatest war the world had or has known. Most of those who fought that war are dead; only a handful remain.
Little mention is being made of the war now. We have other things to worry about: an impending presidential election, COVID-19, a major recession precipitated by state and local government strategies to control the spread of the virus, and whether or how public schools will re-open.
Little mention is being made of the war in the pages of the major news outlets. The only mention of it on the digital front pages of the New York Times, Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, the Los Angeles Times, the Chicago Tribune, or the Chicago Sun-Times was an NYT story about Japan’s commemoration of the event. It was far, far down on the page, the equivalent of a back page story.
On the 75h anniversary of the American Civil War, people were already starting to re-enact its battles. There were notable commemorations of its start, some of its battles, and its end.
The BBC and the online editions of various British news outlets have substantial coverage of the event.
Who controls the past controls the future. Who controls the present controls the past. Ignorance is strength.
It was the same with VE Day.
In contrast, the Queen addressed to the UK and commonwealth; her 5th address in her long reign. Russia dedicated a new Cathedral.
Here there was nothing.
Maybe it’s because the Queen is the sole “greatest generation†around the world still in a leadership role. Or other countries (Russia / UK) treasure the idea they are the heirs to those who won the war.
This from the Queen’s speech, “And when I look at our country today, and see what we are willing to do to protect and support one another, I say with pride that we are still a nation those brave soldiers, sailors and airmen would recognize and admire“
In this country; is there pride or shame at the past? Could or would any of our present leaders say what the Queen said?
Sadly, an indifference to history or even a disdain of it has long been part of the American character. Shame about the past is new. If it persists I suspect it will have bad consequences.