Today marks the celebration of the end of the Second World War. Officially, Japan announced their surrender on August 14th and didn't sign it until September 2nd, however the second Monday in August is celebrated as Victory Day - or, more correctly known by its unofficial title, VJ-Day. Sadly, only my home state of Rhode Island continues to celebrate the day that changed so many lives.
Critics of the holiday claim it promotes discrimination and hatred. Sorry to disillusion them, but discrimination and hatred were fostered by the actions of the Japanese on December 7, 1941, not by their ultimate surrender. What the celebration of VJ-Day does is remind us of our perseverence in the face of oppression, of our victory over foreign aggression, of our triumph over those that would seek to attack our nation.
To all the men and women that served in the Pacific Theater, I salute you. We the people will always be grateful for your dedication and sacrifice. Thank you.
The only question that comes to my mind is where are the other 49 states, today? Why do they not see fit to celebrate this great victory? They are certainly enjoying the benefits sowed by the sacrifice of those that served in the Second World War.
Technorati: Victory+Day VJ+Day
IceRocket: Victory+Day VJ+Day
No comments :
Post a Comment