WWII: Who will remember?

Thank you Michael Anderson for your June 8 “My Turn” article. I’ve been filled with emotion as “some” of us have celebrated in honor the history and lives of those who served and fought during World War II, especially on D-Day. Your story is important and concerning. Your uncles lived through that horrific history and passed on golden nuggets of experiences. What they did for you was far more important than they may have understood.

The sad part is why I said “some” of us have celebrated in honor. I say that because there were 291,557 battle deaths, let alone 113,842 in service non-battle deaths and 670,846 non-mortal wounded, and there are fewer than 497,000 veterans from World War II living. We are losing about 500 a year.

After they are gone, along with those who suffered and died during World War II, so too will the appreciation, respect and awareness of how devastating it would have been if they had not given their all. The fact that you wrote your thoughts in “My Turn” and I’m responding is one drop in the ocean of freedom that has been retained for us all because of their sacrifices.

I’m 72. My dad fought in World War II, and he told me stories as well. You and I are a lucky few. Sadly, this generation for the most part has no interest, appreciation or understanding of what could have been lost. I fear history may repeat itself while educational institutions and teachers are censoring that part of our history.

JERRY MARTIN

Post Falls