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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE

This Too Shall Pass

The other day I had the oppor- peace to provide us with the blessings we enjoy today.
tunity to speak to a young
person in her thirties about With the anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor and the
her COVID-19 concerns. I start of World War II, my thoughts return to my Uncle Ray
broached her with the ancient who was stationed in Pearl Harbor with my Aunt Myrtle
adage “this too shall pass” citing when it came under attack. He left their cottage to fight the
recent history such as the attack Japanese and Aunt Myrtle, along with other dependents,
on our was evacuated by ship to California.
country on She said it was months before she knew
Steve Sandy September whether my uncle was dead or alive. My
NERA Executive 11, 2001 uncle, Chief Ray Lockwood, was a ship
Director
and the ter- fitter/diver who walked the keels of over-
ror it raised in all of us that we were turned ships for days and weeks trying
so vulnerable to attack. It frightened in vain to rescue those sailors trapped
us that at any moment that we or our inside. This had a profound effect on
love ones might be injured or die from him. His career in the Navy began in
such an attack, that the economy might August 1924 and is documented in
collapse and our country may not sur- scrapbooks, and photo albums showing
vive. I pointed out that we did survive. ships commissioning, and deployments
We came together as a nation stronger throughout the South Pacific, Diving
than before! She responded that she was School in Washington, DC, Sub Base
in middle school and vaguely remem- New London, Connecticut, and finally
bered the incident, proving my point to Pearl harbor. After December 7th,
(I guess). I then asked her if she knew there are no photos of shipmates, no
what occurred on this date December happy times, just the war and more lost
7, 1941. Blank stare… nothing. I gave souls that he kept forever in his heart
a clue, beginning of the United States Diving School 1936 and mind.
involvement in World War II? Still
nothing. She stated her husband might know, he liked If these Sailors who spent months at sea fighting the war
history. I thought of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt don’t deserve recognition in our history classes, who does?
speech to Joint Session of Congress “A date which will live
in infamy”…maybe not. An emphasis on math and sci- As for the crisis we are in today, my only hope is history
ence has diminished the role of history in our educational will be kind to us. “Gam ze ya’avor”
system. When history is taught, it is with a demonic view
of our ancestors and what they overcame both in war and Steve

All military families can
speak to a trained

professional 24/7 for free

www.veteranscrisisline.net

6 The Mariner • 2020 WINTER Edition • Volume 63 • Issue 3