Tag: President Franklin D. Roosevelt

Posted on

BIBLICAL WISDOM: HOPE & PEACE

You’ll probably agree that we earthlings live on a troubled planet and may be on the verge of even bigger trouble. Terrorists and tyrants share this planet with those of us who are peaceful law-abiding citizens. Unfortunately they don’t want to share with anyone who differs in political views, religion, or race. Therein lies the problem — with potential for worsening problems.

Are there lessons from history to prevent the most deadly and destructive effects of power-crazed tyrannical political leaders? Can we learn how to avoid repeats of history’s greatest atrocities? Shall we be hopeful regarding the state of the planet or just give in to utter hopelessness?

The attack of Pearl Harbor and WW2 was a very difficult time for America. Some have thought we can learn valuable lessons from that time and have urged us to remember its lessons.

Gordon Prang, author of Pearl Harbor: The Verdict of History, said, “Humanity cannot afford to forget the lessons of Pearl Harbor. The world is much too small, the risk is much too great, the time is much too late.”

President Franklin Roosevelt, to whom Americans looked for hope, said, “It is our obligation to the dead — it is our sacred obligation to their children and to our children — that we must never forget what we learned. And what we have  learned is this.

There is no such thing as security for any nation — or any individual in a world ruled by the principles of gangsterism.

There is no such thing as impregnable defense against powerful aggressors who sneak up in the dark and strike without warning.

We have learned that our ocean-girt hemisphere is not immune from severe attack — that we cannot measure our safety in terms of miles on any map anymore.”

I think history should be studied during times of peace and of uncertainty. Wise students are less likely to repeat the negative and more likely to follow the positive. Wisdom is a needed component while journeying through life. Believing this and knowing the Source of wisdom and accessing it are different matters.

If we all followed wisdom from above, then it would be easier to live with hearts full of hope. Even when all do not, we can still experience hope when we trust God as the Source of wisdom. Wise choices lead to righteous living, and sowing peace yields blessings to the  peacemakers. The Bible teaches wisdom to make wise choices and offers hope.

“Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom.

But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth.

This wisdom is not that which comes down from above but is earthly, natural, demonic.

For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing.

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy.

And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”

(James 3: 13 – 18)

Posted on

DATE OF INFAMY: HOPE TO TRIUMPH SO HELP US GOD

Seventy-seven years ago today was “a date which will live in infamy” as far as American history is concerned.  To remember this day and the Greatest Generation, especially the US servicemen and -women and their sacrifices during WWII, I will share the speech by President Franklin Roosevelt on December 8, 1941, to the Congress of the United States.

“Yesterday, Dec. 7, 1941 — a date which will live in infamy — the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.

The United States was at peace with that nation and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with the government and its emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific.

Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in Oahu, the Japanese ambassador to the United States and his colleagues delivered to the Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message. While this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or armed attack.

It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time, the Japanese government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.

The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. Very many American lives have been lost. In addition, American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.

Yesterday the Japanese government also launched an attack against Malaya. Last night Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong. Last night, Japanese forces attacked Guam. Last night Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands. Last night the Japanese attacked Wake Island. This morning the Japanese attacked Midway Island.

Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation.

As Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy, I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense.

Always will we remember the character of the onslaught against us.

No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory.

I believe I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost but will make very certain that this form of treachery shall never endanger us again.

Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory and our interests are in grave danger.

With confidence in our armed forces — with the unbounding determination of our people — we will gain the inevitable triumph — so help us God.

I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, Dec. 7, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese empire.”

(President Roosevelt)

By the way, I am an American patriot who is proud of my father, a WWII soldier who served his country to achieve peace and preserve freedom. My intent in today’s blog is not to indict Japanese citizens, who are close allies today thankfully.

May we all learn from history and refrain from repeating decisions that jeopardize peaceful relations with allies. May we still be resolved that “righteous might will win through to absolute victory” when peace without war isn’t possible.

It seems appropriate to borrow words from Winston Churchill, Britain’s great leader and our strong ally during WWII. May we “never, never, never, never give up” …hope to triumph with God’s help.

“For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.” Deuteronomy 20:4

Posted on

PATRIOT DAY: EXTRAORDINARY HOPE REMEMBERED

Since the birth of our nation countless Americans have suffered personal sorrows and tragedies. Yet perhaps none were so memorable collectively as the acts of terrorism on America on September 11, 2001. Like December 7, 1941, it is “a date which will live in infamy” (President Franklin D. Roosevelt). I believe it is fitting that this anniversary is recognized.

You may wonder why a sad and seemingly hopeless topic is today’s subject in a blog focused on hope. It is chosen, because the horrific and cowardly attacks resulted in great displays of extraordinary hope, heroism, compassion, courage, and unity.

All the books that have been written and documentaries that have been filmed barely scratch the surface of the greatness of the American spirit that was shown that day and days following. I feel inadequate to now add my few sentences, but I can’t let Patriot Day pass without remembering.

My spouse and I visited “ground zero” in New York in 2006. We chaperoned a group of 55 international high school exchange students.

We remember that time with hope for future relationships between nations. We were mindful that those students could become future leaders in their own countries. Any positive experiences with Americans they would have during their American stay could one day play a role in promoting peace on our planet.

Today’s blog is dedicated to those no longer with us physically but who remain in our hearts; those left to grieve whose lives were forever changed; those who bravely sacrificed to rescue survivors; those who shared hope, support, and encouragement to others through it all; our military men and women who honorably met duty’s call to preserve freedom and to protect fellow Americans; those whose deep sense of American patriotism was strengthened or discovered; and those who prayed for our country then and continue to do so now.

Today I remember September 11, 2001, and am thankful for hope! May God bless America, and may America bless God! I will close with some hopeful quotes.

“Time is passing, yet for the United States of America, there will be no forgetting September the 11th. We will remember every rescuer who died in honor. We will remember every family that lives in grief. We will remember the fire and ash, the last phone calls, the funerals of the children.” (former President George W. Bush)

“September 11, 2001, revealed heroism in ordinary people who might have gone through their lives never called upon to demonstrate the extent of their courage.” (Geraldine Brooks)

“We will win this struggle — not for glory, nor wealth, nor power, but for justice, for freedom, and for peace… so help us God.” (Tom Harkin)

“America was not built on fear. America was built on courage, on imagination, and an unbeatable determination to do the job at hand.” (former President Harry S. Truman)

“Americans never quit.” (General Douglas MacArthur)

“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result to preserve many people alive.” (Genesis 50:20)