Letter: Let’s not forget what VJ Day means to U.S.

Monday, Aug. 13, 2007 | 7:12 a.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 14, marks one of the happiest and brightest victories of the United States' populace - defeat of the ruthless Japanese forces in World War II - once known as VJ Day.

For years the American continents had seemed isolated and protected from the conflicts going on in the rest of the world by our two vast oceans policed by our Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard.

The Nazis seemed stalled by the resolute British on their island, the powerful Russians on the eastern front, and Rommel's stubborn tankers in North Africa. The Japanese army was holding China and India at bay while plundering and raping throughout Asia. Our people were busily distributing aid, assistance and munitions to the still-free world inasmuch as possible without becoming directly involved.

Suddenly our reverie was disturbed by the direct attack on all of our Pacific bases by the Japanese navy and air force. Our aging and underfunded Pacific Fleet was rendered powerless in one quick stroke. These dastardly acts of Dec. 7, 1941, saw our people activated into retaliation by fear and vengeance.

With this war thrust upon us, our country's men and women quickly came together and started producing armaments and supplies at a rate not seen before or since. "Rosie the riveter" became an action figure while our military ballooned through volunteers to not only the Army, Navy and Marines but also the WACs and WAVEs, followed eventually by total conscription of our people and materials. The United States was truly at war.

Four years of total devotion to fighting this war was now over. After the "invincible" Japanese forces were brought to their knees, they now were begging forgiveness. Our forces were again in control of the Pacific Ocean and the direct threat to our mainland was gone.

VJ Day was a day of rejoicing that should never be forgotten.

Richard E. Law, Las Vegas

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