by Stephen D. Wilson

Created on: May 23, 2008

It is easy to look back and say that this or that was horrendous or a war crime.

I will share what my Grandfather, a survivor of the Bataan death march, was subjected to as a prisoner. There were summary executions and beatings. the Food was at best inedible at worst non-existent. Open wounds, untreated malaria, dysentery, sweltering heat were just a small part of daily life for many Prisoners of War. So the United States and her Allies owe Japan an apology, no, not by a long shot.

During World War II, the Axis of Germany, Italy and Japan, tortured and mutilated millions, both civilian and military, often their own countrymen. They experimented on children and old people. They preyed on the helpless and the loyal. They were by the very definition of the word, evil. What they did served no military purpose what so ever. They did it to subjugate the weak, and worst of all for their commanders own enjoyment. There were no innocents that they did not place fear into.

Yes, the Allies could have relented, we could have stopped earlier. Our commanders tried to reason with Japan. On July 25, 1945, the Allies issued a proclamation advising them that their people need not to suffer, all they had to do was unconditionally surrender*. The Potsdamn Proclamation was rejected just 5 days later. Their citizens were used as shields. Even after the bombing of Hiroshima they refused to surrender, knowing they had been soundly defeated. It wasn't until after Nagasaki, 3 months later, did Japan finally put an end to what they could easily have averted*.

Once the treaty was signed the United States and her allies began a rebuilding of both Europe and Asia. We knew they were devastated, we knew they could not build a functioning, self sustaining and peaceful society without our efforts. We were responsible for it and knew that. We also knew that the choice for their devastation was their Governments. So no, no apology was or is needed. A solemn promise by all involved to never be put into that position again would be better suited.

So please do not single out The United States. We were part of a large and complicated allegiance. We did not do any of this alone, or without provocation. If not for the attack on Pearl Harbor, it is more than likely that not only would the Pacific War been avoided, but also that our two countries may have enjoyed a peaceful and profitable existence.

What we must do now is look back and learn from what happened. Ensure that when war does happen that our Representatives do no more than absolutely needed to gain victory. We must also hold our Governments to the task of avoiding war at almost all costs, because one life lost in war, is one too many.

With todays technology, collateral damage is almost unheard of. Rarely do we carpet bomb anywhere. Instead of placing late blame, we should hold those that served their country with high honor. Many made the greatest sacrifice one could be asked. Because of them we have the privilege of questioning their tactics over 60 years later.

So please do not single out The United States. We were part of a large and complicated allegiance. We did not do any of this alone, or without provocation.

*http://www.worldwar-2.net/timelines/asi a-and-the-pacific/pacific-islands/pacific-islands-in dex-1945.htm

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