Waves of War – VE Day 75th Anniversary

For those of you who do not know me, I’m a history buff. A big history buff.

During this crazy chapter of life, I’ve been spending a lot of my time reading. Just last month I came across something very interesting while I explored my favorite historical subject – World War II. As I little girl, I learned that my great-grandfather led an anti-aircraft battery on Saipan, and once I found that out, I wanted to know everything I could about the second great war.

Tomorrow, May 8th, marks the 75th anniversary of VE-Day. VE-Day, also known as Victory in Europe Day, is the day that Nazi Germany surrendered to the Allies. I realized that there are a lot of parallels that we can make between that time period and the Coronavirus crisis that we, as Americans, are facing now.

To set the stage for you, we need to jump back to 1944. America is submerged in the war against Germany and Japan. Our country has banded together to do everything in its power to end this war and end it soon. Children are roaming the streets to find scrap metal, to feed a war machine fabricating tanks and airplanes. Women are tending the homefront, building weapons of war, sewing thousands of socks for soldiers overseas, and are planting vegetable gardens, known as Victory Gardens. Men are fighting in Europe and Asia. It’s chaos on the front lines, but those here at home are joining together, uniting against a common foe.

Fast forward 76 years. This is our current reality. First it was Washington state, then California, then New York – eventually every state and territory. Our country is facing a new enemy. Not one that fights with guns, tanks, or bombs. No. An enemy much harder to fight. An enemy within. An enemy that fights with sneezes and coughs. Coronavirus. What are we as Americans doing? Children aren’t roaming the streets looking for metal, but they’re at home helping to take care of their siblings so that Mom can call a sick friend. We aren’t fighting with guns – but first responders, medical professionals, truck drivers and grocery store clerks, are all fighting on the front lines. Just like during World War II, our country is joining together. Not only are we fighting from the home front, but we’re also fighting on the frontlines. We see the waves of war every day, the rationing, the casualties, the pain, the sacrifice. It’s the daily life we’re living in. But, once again, we’re all united against a common foe. Everyone doing their part.

Back up again to 1945. May 8th, you pick up the newspaper, and you jump for joy. You grab the family, grab that beloved flag, and rush out into the street singing “God Bless America.” What’s the headline? Victory in Europe. Hitler’s dead. The Nazis have surrendered. That nightmare has ended and it’s time to celebrate.

One last time, fast forward to a future sunny afternoon in 2020. You’re watching the news. You get the ping on your phone. You look down and you read it. They’ve got a vaccine. They’ve found a cure. There’s been a miracle. It’s over. Coronavirus is defeated. We did it!

As I prepare to celebrate the 75th anniversary of VE-Day, I’m keeping our situation in mind. It’s really scary right now. We’re fighting something invisible and deadly. Yet, I still believe in miracles. We are joined together, “one nation under God,” fighting daily for each other. Fighting for those who may not be strong enough to fight for themselves. 75 years ago, they did the same thing and they made it. I know we’ll come out just fine. I have never been so proud to be an American as I am now, fighting alongside you all. Happy VE-Day.

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. — Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV