I was a boy when the radio broadcast of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s speech to Congress asking for a declaration of War filled our ears.
“December 7, 1941-a date which will live in infamy-the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.”
On December 8, 1941 the formal declaration of war with Japan was established. On December 11, 1941 the declaration of war against Germany was established.
Those were words that we will never forget and a war that ended with the birth of atomic energy. There are now those who believe FDR knew about the possibility of an attack on Pearl Harbor and did nothing to stop it or counter act the attack. I’m not sure I want to join those who think that because it certainly would have been a reckless gamble on his part to make.
The war in Europe began in 1939 and it involved most of Europe and affected many nations. It was an indeed a world war. Germany, Italy, Japan and their allies, were against the world. The world’s population in 1939 was 1.9 billion. The total loss of life relating to this war was estimate between 62 million to 82 million. These numbers also includes those deaths caused by the Germans in their concentrations Camps. The total military deaths of both sides in the war were 24 million.
The United States Population in 1939 was 131 million people. The total of deaths of the American military was 416,000 men and women. The total deaths of US citizens including military was 418,500.
The war with Japan was a very hard and difficult war and was one Island, by Island through the Pacific Ocean. It ended in Japan after the dropping of two atomic bombs on Japan. The war in Europe was also a hard and bloody battle. The end began on D Day when American and Allied forces landed on Normandy Beaches and fought their way into France then into Germany.
World War I was the war to end all wars. The Second World War should have ended all wars but they still continue with the waste of the young and healthy men and women. Many young men and women gave their lives for their countries on both sides. I hope we have learned something about war.
“War is nothing less than temporary repeal of the principles of virtue. It is a system out of which almost all the virtues are excluded, and in which nearly all vices are included.
May God bless us that we never have another War.?” (Quote R.H.)
No one can harm the man who does himself no wrong.
