THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, April 7, 1995 TAG: 9504070007
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A12 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 33 lines
Recently, I learned that our administration has been considering a change of the recognition dates of V-J Day to some other identification. The suggestion is being made by apologists that we are offending the Japanese.
As one of those fortunate to have survived the landing at Anzio and the fight to drive out the Germans firing from the monastery on top of Monte Cassini - we owe no apology to anyone. To those veterans who survived and to those who died at the Battle of the Bulge, Guadalcanal, and the murderous Bataan march it would be an insult to their courage and memory. To those young sailors entombed in the bellies of our naval ships at the bottom of Pearl Harbor, it would be a mockery.
On the contrary, we should recall these days, V-J and V-E day each year, so that the young people who did not experience the vicious and murderous actions of these two countries will appreciate the sacrifices of our servicemen. Obviously, the apologists were either too young, or even unborn, to be aware of the treachery and cowardice that almost destroyed the Free World.
No apologies. A day of reflective remembrance would be more in keeping with the sacrifices of our armed forces.
MARK SCHNEIDER
Virginia Beach, March 31, 1995 by CNB