Reply
MaryHaas@AOL.COM
Mon, 12 May 1997 09:24:01 -0400
When I was writing my dissertation, more years ago than I care to admit,
I came on a British research report on children and their views and
understanding of war. I don't know if anyone has done more work in this
area, but certainly it should be done. The children associated war with
planes and guns and peace was associated with no war. Both very over
simplified views.
Perhaps it is just a young age and lack of experience of the young
people and the fact that many old soldiers will not tell their true feelings
so that most people have too few facts on which to base their conclusions.
Sharing only a portion of events doesn't present the truth and leads to
misconceptions. Eberhard Weber, I won't excuse your story about visiting the
battle grounds of the Pacific because I think it is the type of thing that
more people should hear.
War has an enormous impact. Today we are being told that the U. S.
didn't push for the return of gold to the victims of the Holocaust in part
because the politicians were impacted by the hot war and were involved in the
Cold War with the inference that they knew what was right but feared
something more wrong. WWII is still with us today and if someone doesn't go
to the true meaning of the lessons that can be learned humanity will never
benefit from the sacrifices and will not become more humane. Instead, they
will inflict more pain and suffering on people with bigger and more powerful
weapons. Your comment are powerful, just as the experience was on you.
Thank you for sharing it, I know it wasn't easy nor is it easy to hear and
reflect upon, but something we must do. I hope others and especially
children will discuss the points you mentioned with each other and their
families and teachers. During the 50th year of WWII activities I was struck
by the number of veterans who spoke of their war experiences with tears in
their eyes and cracks in their voices as the pain they saw and buried deep
within their memories returned. Mary E. Haas