Seventy years ago, on Aug. 15, 1945, the news of Japan’s surrender ending hostilities in World War II was announced to the world. The men and women who had answered their nation’s call in a time of war were finally free to turn their thoughts to going home to their families.

With the passage of so many decades since that day, the importance of both Victory of Japan Day and Victory in Europe Day, which was observed on May 8, sometimes gets overlooked as we hurry about on our daily routines.

That’s sad, because we, as a nation, should never forget the sacrifices the men and women of the Greatest Generation made for the world between Dec. 7, 1941 — when Japanese warplanes attacked our Pearl Harbor fleet – and Aug. 15, 1945.

We are losing many members of that generation with the passage of time, but we must not lose the memories of the challenges they endured as they fought for the freedoms we all enjoy today.

They left home to fight battles on land in the Philippines, Iwo Jima, Okinawa and Guadalcanal. They fought sea battles at Midway, in Leyte Gulf and in the Java Sea. Those who were captured as Japan spread its evil influence throughout the Pacific Theater of War endured the Bataan Death March and languished in POW camps in Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, Singapore and other locations, where one in three died from starvation, work, punishment or disease.

So this month take time to thank a World War II veteran for their service. It might be a father, or grandfather. It could be a neighbor, quietly living a few doors down. The 59th House District is home to many of these brave men who left home to do battle in Asia and Europe to protect democracy and stop the Axis powers.

Make it a point to shake their hands and show your appreciation. They deserve our undying gratitude.

 

Aaron Miller is the state representative for Michigan’s 59th House District, which includes the City of Dowagiac and the Village of Cassopolis.