Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on December 3, 1975.
‘Unforgettable Event’
Ralph Schenck’s Valparaiso Observer
Near the close of a year’s course in U.S. History we used to pass out carbon copies of famous slogans such as “Taxation without representation is tyranny;” “Millions for defense but not one cent for tribute;” “54-40 or Fight.” Remember “Make the world safe for Democracy”?
Depending on class ability we then had written or oral comments on the birth of such phrases and the justice or injustice of their sources.
Thirty-four years ago on Dec. 8, 1941, another famous phrase caused a blaze in what had heretofore been coming over the radio in peaceful fireside chats. What was it? In general, it was, “A Day that will live in infamy.” As the historical past dims in perspective, this one, too is in the shadows of languishing retrospection.
Many of us can recall that apprehensive blast as it boomed over the radio and it was followed by many inflated articles in the then current periodicals. This was a unanimous response to the unity for war. Again, many that did respond are now couched in the hallowed accolades of eternity because of this war.
Immediately afterwards, there were feverish motivating parades and a variety of public incentives in the cause of patriotism. The naval disaster at Pearl Harbor was, supposedly, a complete surprise. Today, this is but a fragment of past history for each new incoming generation. Quoting, “The past is really almost as much a work of imagination as the future.” Pearl Harbor is still a lingering and unforgettable experience of those still living today.
The world is still intellectually sterile in seeking a truth serum for eliminating the idiocies of war. Such a serum could be an antitoxin for future civilization that could be the most remarkable discovery since the dawn of recorded history.
It has become evident that, in our country, the young are growing bigger, healthier, stronger and, with our knowledge explosion, indeed much wiser. Technically, we are making unbelievable progress. Humanity is likely to be crowding into the portals of other planets in the next generation, yet there remains a chasm between the basic scientific realities and the human social adjustments of how the behavior of people can be changed to live peaceably together on this earth.
The joys of opulence, comfort and security in one field of learning are reciprocated by the despairs and dismays in the area of human behavior. Perhaps a computerized mentality may eventually divulge some abstract solutions so that the awesome militarism of the world powers might retire in mutual trust.
May we emphasize that talented social scientists are not neglecting this continuous research. The old League of Nations, the World Court and so many other historical attempts have been recorded in the past. As of now, most of these have suffered from egotistic obesity and are smothered in the documentary dust of past history.
Let us recall that it was on Dec. 7, 1941, that Japanese planes surprised the American fleet at Pearl Harbor and destroyed or disabled our protective power in the Pacific. More than 3,000 Americans died on this day. The United States found itself in a war for self-preservation. Japan was planning to destroy this strong embryo of democracy. The promised land, that had been a haven for the depressed of the world for more than 200 years, was aflame with anger.
Four years later, a new Caesar mushroomed over Hiroshima and Nagasaki. This country did not shirk its sacrificial duties for survival. It is said that even hell has some system of management, and as Gen. William T. Sherman of the Civil War said, “War is hell.”
Preparedness is still necessary for future security for wars are still imminent. When our country is endangered we usually rise in social solidarity for the common welfare of all. A war goes on at a blistering pace until the evil is removed. After such a war, it is still not “Gone With the Wind.”
We then venture into a yawning epoch of united world conferences seeking guidelines and taboos for some means to develop a decent society in which mankind can become peaceful.
At some unknown mark on the calendar newly created debacles of destruction and devices of death will be used. How strange it seems that while we have acquired the capability to immunize society against former plagues and diseases, yet the hideous reality of the world’s greatest plague still remains a seething caldron of human anxieties. Peace is a fragile fabric.
Some few today may recall that ominous voice on the radio which said, “The Japanese have attacked Pearl Harbor.” Perhaps, then, only about one person in a hundred knew where Pearl Harbor was. Many, however, were then aware of the menace of Hitler as a friend of the Japanese.
That frightening bolt out of the blue burned in the minds of all Americans. War factories lit up like fireflies. Assembly lines changed to produce war materials. There were orgies of mass production for the instruments of death. Albert Einstein from Germany, Enrico Fermi from Italy, Robert Oppenheimer, the American, and many other gifted scientists began an endless research for more deathly carnage of slaughter. The sword of Damocles was quivering. Hiroshima and, three days later, Nagasaki were destroyed in an inferno of annihilation
Darius was once a great conqueror over others. Alexander conquered the then known world. The galleons of Spain created an empire. The British navy established a colonial globe upon which the “sun never set.” the atom bomb entered into the course of history.
Perhaps all we have discovered at the end of the rainbow of peace is a lead pipe instead of more light for the brotherhood of man on earth.
A short time ago a winter declared that the present international militarism was forecasting an “approaching apocalypse.” Whatever that is, there will always be a tomorrow and we just might discover another rainbow with instruments for peace to be used for the brotherhood of mankind.
