June 6, 2023 1942 As I often do on significant dates in American history, I think it worthwhile to pause, take some time to remember those who have helped maintain this treasure we call the United States of America and remind ourselves of the stock we are made of. Sometimes, looking back at history helps us to find our way forward.
I’m sure many of you have seen quite a few references to D-Day, June 6, 1944. The importance of the actions taken by allied forces in the invasion to free Europe from the grip of Nazi tyranny cannot be over-stated. The bravery and sacrifice of so many must never be forgotten.
Today, however, I’d like to focus on another significant June 6th: 1942. Please allow me to start with a little background leading up to that date.
A little over four months after the attack on Pearl Harbor, the audacious bombing of Tokyo, the Doolittle Raid, took place on April 18. The raid didn’t result in significant damage to Japan but a clear message had been delivered. In response, the Japanese launched an invasion force seeking to secure strategic Port Moseby in New Guinea. The invasion force was repulsed in the battle of the Coral Sea in early May. Although this marked the end of the phase of Japanese triumphs in the Pacific, both sides sustained nearly equal naval losses. The already depleted US Navy lost one aircraft carrier, the Lexington, and the second carrier, the Yorktown was severely damaged. These were losses the navy could ill afford and left the Japanese in a far stronger position in terms of naval power.
In late May, due to some extraordinary work by naval intelligence, the planned Japanese invasion of Midway was deduced. The US Navy had considerably less resources available, including just two aircraft carriers, Enterprise and Hornet, to meet the challenge. As stated, the Yorktown had been heavily damaged in the Coral Sea. It arrived in Pearl Harbor on May 26th and repairs started immediately. In just three days, the Yorktown was repaired and able to join the other two carriers at Midway. The Yorktown played an important role in the Battle of Midway and was ultimately lost there. The Battle of Midway began on June 4th. On June 6th, in a decisive victory, US forces sank the last of four Japanese aircraft carriers. It was the turning point in the Pacific theater of WW II. Japan’s naval superiority was over. History may long remember this decisive battle. The work of those who, behind the scenes, helped make this possible should long be remembered, as well.
I believe it is very important that we take a bit of time here and focus on the unsung heroes of the Battle of Midway. As in every endeavor, it takes commitment, sacrifice and teamwork from everyone involved in order to achieve a desired outcome, a desired victory. Those who worked tirelessly for three days, without fanfare or recognition, played a vital role in the success achieved on June 6, 1942. The Japanese navy was caught off guard and thrown into a state of confusion because they did not believe it was possible for the Yorktown to be back and operational at Midway after the damage sustained at the Coral Sea. Americans no matter their role, large or small (there is no such thing), have always risen to the challenge before them. Once again, the efforts and skills of those who repaired the Yorktown in such a short amount of time allowed American forces the edge and surprise needed to win.
As the “Greatest Generation” slips into history it is vitally important that what they did for us is indelibly etched into the minds of each generation that follows. We owe them a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid. The only thing we have to offer them? It is the same selfless sacrifice in maintaining the freedom they so valiantly fought to preserve for us.
So, let us take this lesson from history. Each of us has a role to play in regaining and maintaining our freedom. There are no minor roles, only those which God has assigned to each of us. Our enemy, many within our own country, seeks to destroy our God given Constitutional Republic. The threats are as great an any our nation has faced previously. It matters not whether one is on the front lines or in a support role working unnoticed in the background, if each of us goes forth in support of each other and in reliance upon Him, we can meet the challenges we now face.
II Chronicles 7:14 Lord, You have sustained our nation through many trials. We face one of our greatest now. Though many in our nation have turned away, we still seek You. We ask You to intervene, to bind and cast this evil from among us. We know we can do nothing of our own accord. Our hope remains solely in You. We ask that You lead us and please give us wisdom, discernment and the courage to follow. All praise and glory be given to You. In Jesus name. Amen
As I often do on significant dates in American history, I think it worthwhile to pause, take some time to remember those who have helped maintain this treasure we call the United States of America and remind ourselves of the stock we are made of. Sometimes, looking back at history helps us to find our way forward.
I’m sure many of you have seen quite a few references to D-Day, June 6, 1944. The importance of the actions taken by allied forces in the invasion to free Europe from the grip of Nazi tyranny cannot be over-stated. The bravery and sacrifice of so many must never be forgotten.
Today, however, I’d like to focus on another significant June 6th: 1942. Please allow me to start with a little background leading up to that date.
A little over four months after the attack on Pearl Harbor, the audacious bombing of Tokyo…
kommonsentsjane 