CELEBRATE “V-E” DAY!!!
(Alfred Jodl (between Major Wilhelm Oxenius to the left and Generaladmiral Hans-Georg von Friedeburg to the right) signing the German Instrument of Surrender at Reims, France 7 May, 1945.)
The most destructive war in history formally ended this date 63 years ago. More than 50 million people were killed, a vast number of whom were murdered by the Nazis. Property of all kinds, in particular cultural items — books, church bells, sculpture, and paintings to name but a few — were stolen as part of Hitler and the Nazis’ premeditated plans. It was the greatest theft in history, one that lasted almost 8 years.
We continue to live with the altered legacy of Hitler and the Nazis’ time in power. Consider the endless sorrow of families today that never knew their loved ones who perished during the war, perhaps in battle or at a concentration camp. Who WASN’T born that might have been, who DIDN’T live the life they might have lived but for the murderous consequences of Hitler’s ambition? A scientist who might have discovered an alternative fuel to hydrocarbons? A doctor who perhaps could have pioneered our understanding of medicine and cures for diseases? An artist or writer whose work might have transcended all ages and provided insights and happiness to people of our generation?
The realities of lifespans play out in the obituary sections of newspapers everywhere: World War II veterans are meeting more peaceful ends to their lives because of the sacrifice of many of their buddies. Still, the loss of this incredible generation of men and women is painful for those of us paying attention — and we should all be paying a lot of attention. When they are gone, this will no longer be "living history", it will just be "history". If we’ve learned anything as a civilization it is the past serving as prelude to the future. We ignore the lesson at our own peril.
I think of my father today, a World War ll veteran of the Pacific, who died in January. We miss you Dad.
