
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, September 4, 1994                   TAG: 9409210020
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: D-3   EDITION: METRO  
SOURCE: KENNETH P. WERRELL
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

THE WAR IN PERSPECTIVE

TO CENTER our focus of World War II on the two atomic bombs dropped on Japan is to badly distort history. They are but a small part of the entire war.

Certainly there are controversies from that war, some of which do not reflect well on the United States. But while these should not be forgotten, again they deflect us from what should be remembered, what is most important and what should be celebrated as we reach the 50-year mark of the war's end.

From the hindsight of 50 years, four aspects should capture our attention:

World War II was a great American success - not just the major role we played in winning thet war, but also in the many successes leading to victory. The triumphs of American science, technology, industry and, most of all, American courage should be remembered and applauded.

We should recall with pride that Americans pulled together in a united effort to achieve this common goal. Americans of diverse ethnic groups, backgrounds, education and experience combined to share the sacrifices demanded by that crusade for freedom.

We must never forget the great cost of the war. Proportionally, the United States did not suffer the heavy losses of other countries; nevertheless, approximately 300,000 young Americans died and many others were disabled. As difficult as more recent wars have been, none has come close to approaching the cost of World War II.

The war was worthwhile for the United States and the world. In many ways it marked a turning point of the 20th century, by bringing America to the forefront where it has been for the past 50 years. Since the war, overall peace has been maintained; certainly, there have been no wars approaching the scale of World War II. In addition, democracy has grown and prosperity has increased, at home and abroad.

In short, the world is a better place in 1994 than it was either during or before World War II, and is a better place today than it would have been if that war had not been fought and won.

So, when the question of the atomic bomb arises, two broader and more important questions should follow: Why were those two bombs dropped? And what were the broader consequences of World War II?

Only then will we put those two mushroom clouds into proper perspective.

by CNB