August 15, 2020 is nearing and that brings with it the holiday celebration known as Victory Day in Rhode Island. Once known as V-J Day or Victory over Japan Day, the name was changed in deference to the Japanese people apparently to soothe any guilt feelings and communicate our resolve to forgive the horrendous atrocities they committed during their years of warfare savagery.
At the outset, I must state that I am a member of (DAV) Disabled American Veterans and (JWV) Past Commander R.I. Department Jewish War Veterans of the USA and my statements are my own and do not in any way represent the positions of any organization or other panel or commission of which I am a member.
It can hardly be disputed that the willingness to forgive is an admirable and desirable quality for people to espouse and practice in a civilized society. When one chooses to forgive the actions of another, no doubt it has multiple aims: one is to soothe the conscience of the actor, a second is to alter the misgiving of the forgiver and a third is to restore or recreate a good relationship between the persons.
In plain English, forgiving is a good thing to do.
Forgetting Victory Day is a shameful suggestion, particularly to those of us or members of our families who have had a connection with World War II. It is important to remember that the war in Europe ended with a formal surrender signed by Germany, but it continued to rage against the Japanese for months with many Americans killed in action in Okinawa and Iwo Jima until finally the Japanese surrendered after two atomic bombs were dropped.
It was certainly a terrible and tragic event our country was forced to perpetrate in order to conclude further conflict and invasion of the Japanese homeland with even more destruction and loss of lives, both Japanese and American.
Should we forget Victory Day, as asked by some?
Actually, World War II ended when the Japanese unconditionally surrendered so Victory Day is appropriately named in the same way that the end of World War I was named "Armistice Day" (subsequently changed to Veterans Day) and both victories should be observed by a grateful nation.
What reason is there to forget history and our victory which ended a war?
I was taken aback immediately and inspired to write this commentary when I read another commentary The Journal published ("There is honor in moving on from Victory Day holiday," July 25). The writer of that piece suggests in plain words to forget Victory Day and name it "Rhode Island Heritage Day" or "Beautiful Rhode Island Day" and urges people to go on a floating holiday and go to beaches and parks.
The writer says nothing of consequence about remembering the many Rhode Islanders who served, suffered or died in World War II.
The Victory Day holiday each year provides at least one day for those of us who care to memorialize a loved one who suffered or died in war. It is my opportunity to renew my memories of my cousin Edward Gorodesky, U.S. Army, prisoner of the Japanese, Bataan Death March survivor, subsequently executed by Japanese captors and whose remains were not recovered.
Lest we forget.
Sanford Gorodetsky, of Warren, is a former Providence city councilman, chief judge of the Providence Municipal Court, and Providence public safety commissioner. He is a World War II veteran.
The Link LonkJuly 29, 2020 at 10:14AM
https://www.providencejournal.com/opinion/20200728/my-turn-sanford-gorodetsky-victory-day-holiday-mdash-forgive-yes-forget-no
My Turn: Sanford Gorodetsky: Victory Day holiday — forgive yes, forget no - The Providence Journal
https://news.google.com/search?q=forget&hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US:en
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