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One of the more moving interviews I did when I was a newspaper editor was with a survivor of the Pearl Harbor attack that forced America into World War II. I have forgotten the veteran's name. But I remember being shocked as it dawned on me that when the bombs started falling on December 7, 1941, he wasn't trying to be a hero, but instead was just a very surprised, frightened, but also very brave young man. He just did his best to defend his ship and then pull oil-soaked survivors from the water the morning of December 7, 1941.
Eighty years ago today, May 8, 1945, marked the first pay-off for the actions and sacrifices of an entire generation of young men and women when Germany's Nazi leaders surrendered and major fighting came to an end in Europe.
Usually, VE Day (Victory in Europe) day has been a quiet affair here in the US. It probably will be for most of us today. There are good reasons for that. To begin with, the war wasn't over yet, and wouldn't be until Japan's surrender in August, 1945. Some things we might do, however, is take a brief moment to remember all who died (a mind-boggling 75-80 million people), pray for peace today in a time when we seem surrounded by "wars and rumors of wars," and thank God that World War II began to come to an end with a victory over an evil movement 80 years ago.
"Eternal God, in who's perfect kingdom no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the strength of love; So mightily spread abroad your Spirit, that all peoples may be gathered under the banner of the Prince of Peace; to whom be dominion and glory, now and forever" (BCP p. 654).
And also, this harder prayer, at least for me, as we face the upheavals and conflicts of our world today.
"O God, the Creator of all, whose Son commanded us to love our enemies: Lead them and us from prejudice to truth; deliver them and us from hatred, cruelty, and revenge; and in your good time enable us all to stand reconciled before you in Jesus Christ; in whose Name we pray" (BCP p. 655).
God Bless,
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