Not our Pearl Harbor moment

In early April, we were warned by the Surgeon General that the week or two ahead was going to be "our Pearl Harbor moment." At the time I cringed, as it is always dangerous to compare two horrific events, for even a valid point can by inference understate the unspeakable tragedy of one. Thus, at the outset let it be said that Pearl Harbor and World War II was a tragedy beyond description.

The comparison is worsened by also slighting the current tragedy of the pandemic, as we as a society and a country are lacking the fortification, strength, resilience, unification and confidence that buoyed our country during World War II.

As horrific as Pearl Harbor was, "we" (the country) had absolutely no doubt whatsoever that there would be a "V-J Day" and "V-E Day" to come, for we were mightier than the enemy and had the leadership to bring us to victory. We knew who the enemy as, where they were and that their time was numbered. We were absolutely unified in our resolve, with national pride providing strength, and politics being irrelevant and not divisive. We trusted our leaders implicitly and tuned in to our radios to seize every word from FDR.

Back home we were insulated, healthy, not at risk, buoyed in spirit, and with very few limitations to our personal freedom. Life went on and we could even watch baseball.

We looked forward to, and knew without doubt that the "Life" Magazine cover would appear with the serviceman kissing the nurse in Times Square, to celebrate our ultimate victory.

Now, we don't have any of that, which is scarier than any enemy, tangible or intangible could ever be.

Michael Kelstrom

Elmhurst