Following Japan’s Dec. 7, 1941 devious and unprovoked attack on the U.S. at Pearl Harbor where some 2,400 military and civilians were killed by air bombardment by over 300 aircraft, President Franklin Roosevelt said the day that triggered our involvement in World War II would “live in infamy.”
If our news coverage of that day in our nation’s history is any indication, I suppose the infamy part has since passed.
Our paper included a blurb on 3A last Saturday marking that anniversary, which likely was better than most. But as a member of the war baby generation, it’s sad that this generation apparently has all but forgotten the day that will live in infamy.
A close friend of mine of the same age (and a subscriber), correctly remarked this way:
“I’m likely being an ass about how on page 3 of section A of [Dec. 7’s] paper there was a blip about Pearl Harbor survivors attending a memorial. I saw nothing in the general media about the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Form your own opinion. Our dads and their comrades aren’t here to remind those self-absorbed people why they are here today. I’m going to shut up now.”
For all the lives our nation sacrificed that day and in the ensuing WWII (some 419,000 military and civilians) he should never shut up about this Day of Infamy. Neither should any of us, and our children, and theirs, most certainly including those expected to report on the activities and history that properly honor our United States, especially when the actions of those who resist our national pride, values and culture are spread far and wide in exaggerated headlines that affect only a relatively few with controversial agendas.
I know I felt ashamed that I failed to mention the hallowed day in in my columns until today. I’ll not be making that inexcusable error again.
Leaving a void
Unfortunately I never got to know our former outstanding sportswriter, the late Bob Holt, who unexpectedly passed away much too soon earlier this month. But from the widespread outpouring last week of admiration and respect for him as a reporter and person, I wish I had made the time to enjoy and appreciate his company after enjoying his well-crafted sports accounts over the years.
Bob’s departure undeniably left a void in our world, which in itself also becomes a wonderful tribute to his having been with us and shared his abilities and personality for years. His life also represents a legacy that sets such a positive example of the ripple effects one person’s thoughts and skills at sharing them can have among many thousands of us. We should all strive to be more like Bob was and live on when our time arrives to live on in the hearts and minds of those who knew and/or admired all we represented.
No go out into the world and treat everyone you meet exactly like you want them to treat you.
Mike Masterson is a longtime Arkansas journalist, was editor of three Arkansas dailies and headed the master’s journalism program at Ohio State University. Email him at mmasterson@arkansasonline.com.
