Forgotten Infamy

December 7, 2019

“Forever in infamy.” That’s how FDR claimed this seventh day of December would be remembered. Forever isn’t as long as it once was; the “Greatest Generation,” as Peter Jennings called them, has all but disappeared, and with it the memory of the sneak attack that thrust the United States into the most devastating war in history. My father was one of that generation that served; he’s been gone five years now, but until the day he died, the memory of that day and the loss of so many of his friends weighed heavily upon him. Today is almost gone, and I’ve only begun to remember. 

Linda and I rose early so we could be at the Brockport Walmart at 10:00 am, joining my brother, sister, and our kids and grandkids for a shopping excursion before meeting at his home for lunch and a wrapping party. For years, we’ve been doing this, providing a Christmas for some less fortunate families and enjoying family time together with my 97 year-old mother, one of the few who still remember first hand those terrible years. Soups and chips with an assortment of dips, sub sandwiches, candy, snacks, and cookies were followed by breaking out the paper and tape. Nearly forty of us were scattered throughout the house, cutting paper, stuffing clothes and toys into boxes, and wrapping it all in roll upon roll of paper. 

Had my father’s generation failed to answer the call to duty, it’s unlikely that we would be gathering as a Christian family doing what we can to offer grace to others. The other day, son Matt took me to see the movie “Midway.” I had seen the original 1976 production of the same name numerous times, and was interested in seeing how today’s moviemakers would handle the battle that turned the tide in the Pacific.

In 1976, computer graphics hadn’t been invented. Today’s “Midway” made full use of them, with incredible cockpit point of view of dive-bombing sequences showing the pilots flying headlong into a wall of flak and artillery to drop their bomb. Walking to the car after the show, Matt and I commented on the bravery of young men flying into almost certain death because somebody had to do it. In conflict after conflict to this very day, the bravery and sacrifices of our soldiers, sailors, and aviators have made it possible for us to enjoy a day like today. My gratitude tonight goes beyond the blessings of the day to those who made, and make it possible.