Over the years, the IJN has received numerous obituary notices for veterans of WW II. Usually the sweat, blood and agony they endured in Europe and the Pacific is condensed into a few lines. Its not that family members didnt ask any pertinent questions while their loved one was alive. In general, the men who returned from hell on all fronts simply refused to talk about it. Some places are too painful to revisit, whether physically or in the heart.
But we are learning that the silence of the greatest generation screamed in nightmares, or found expression in biographical accounts that took 40 years to write. Whether the cause was morally clear or obfuscated by politics, the desire to vocalize onewar experiences is a personal decision. There is war a black hole that devours so many, even now and normal life. Similar to Holocaust survivors who try to reclaim a semblance of normalcy, so do veterans.
Some people abhor war films. Even From Here to Eternity. If they could, they would delete every war movie, documentary or TV show within reach. But they might sit down and force themselves to watch The Pacific, a 10-part series about Marines fighting on tiny islands in WW II before they were born. Part 1 might make them anxious, but by the final segment they will be in tears not only for the millions of US servicemen who died, but for those who survived.
The Pacific painted a heinous portrait of those Pacific battles Guadalcanal, Guam, Iwo Jima, so many others and focused on real Marines. It was powerfully instructive, especially for the uninformed. For those who fought and are still here, they are still there. The battles must have broken every bone in their soul.
You wont find many headstones in Denver acknowledging the role of Jewish servicemen in WW II. There is a section in Rose Hill Cemetery, just past the administration building, with a dozen or so military headstones. They honor boys just 18, 19, or 20 who were killed in WW II. You might find a couple of inscriptions at the other Jewish cemeteries. But they are the exception.
Most headstones are inscribed simply: loving husband father. Dont look for, Tail gunner in WW II. Dont misunderstand. Dying in a war is one thing. Going on to live a full life is another. If your father is alive and you want to know what he did in the war, ask. He might choose not answer. But if you never try, you may discover that dusty medal or illegible citation in a drawer after its too late.
Wars will always be with us. The US is fighting on two fronts right now. The toll is unspeakable, yet necessary. This Memorial Day, whether you love someone who died in a conflict or love someone who fights today, take a walk. Not through the malls or around the swimming pool, but to the source. Remember the people who died fighting your battles, or spent a lifetime battling the miracle of their survival for your freedom. Say thank you and take a moment. Pray for peace.
