America and Vermont need to get a grip. A mere 72 years ago the second World War was at a tipping point where a major victory on either side would tip the balance in their favor and forever seal the fate of the free world.
June 6, 1944, the allies, led by the United States, invaded the beaches of Normandy, France, on their way to eventually defeating the Nazis (national socialist German workers’ party).
Two years earlier from June 4-7, 1942 (six months after the attack on Pearl Harbor), the United States won the pivotal battle over Midway Island in the Pacific that proved to be the beginning of the end for imperial Japan’s navy and expansionist ambitions.
There are over 100,000 American soldiers, airmen, Marines and seamen buried in dedicated cemeteries all over Europe alone, and survivors came home to an appreciative nation as reluctant heroes. Japanese and European cities destroyed by the arsenal of war rebuilt themselves into thriving and increasingly modern centers of commerce and opportunity. All was well in the world, at least for a while.
With the daily passing of thousands of these truly brave and patriotic men and women we lose an important link to our proud tradition of self reliance, genuine charity, patriotism, character and common sense that is sorely lacking in society.
The best measure of one’s character is to monitor their actions when the cameras are nowhere to be found.
Ivan St. George
Vergennes