Letter: We must always remember World War II

I read with great interest Kevin Reilly’s letter about never forgetting World War II. My deceased husband landed on Utah Beach in Normandy on D-Day, and in June 1994, we traveled to France for the 50th anniversary of D-Day. A neighbor’s teenage son asked where we were going on vacation, and I replied “to France for the 50th anniversary of D-Day.” The young man, a student at a very prestigious local private school, said “What is D-Day?”

I was shocked, and suggested he ask his parents or his history teacher. In the 19 years since that encounter, I have prayed that someone explained this to him. Teacher friends have told me that there is too much history to be taught and many things are not covered in school. How sad not to know about World War II.

I am a charter member of the National WWII Museum and have a brick for my husband. I believe the museum is the greatest tribute possible to our veterans. My parents were both World War I veterans, and my patriotic roots run deep. I am so happy to hear about the involvement of high school students with the museum — we must teach them in every way we can. Thank you, Mr. Reilly, for your work on this project.

Mary Grace Simpson

retired administrative assistant

Baton Rouge

Comments

1) Comment by gofigger - 29/01/2013

A generation to be remembered. Thanks for sharing your story Ms. Simpson.

2) Comment by billynurse - 29/01/2013

Mrs. Simpson, I wish I could tell your husband "Thank you for your service".

3) Comment by Whatnow - 29/01/2013

To me, World War II should be one of the major highlights of History taught to students. American soldier's sacrifice to free the world from evil should be at the top of the list. Wonderful letter, Ms. Simpson.

4) Comment by [e-mail] - 29/01/2013

A great letter Ms. Simpson; unfortunately these days history teachings mostly consists or revisionist's concepts of why it all happened because of America's injustice.

5) Comment by tradewinns - 28/01/2013

unfortunately our students are not taught some history of america but other parts are grossly inflated and actually fudged a bit to make it more dramatic. not historically accurate but more relevant to todays' society. students grow up think what they saw in a movie was accurate and what is in history books, that they never read, is not correct. shame.