Dem
47
GOP
53
For those not up on their children's literature, T-T-F-N! is Tigger's shorthand way of saying "Ta ta for now!" in the Winnie the Pooh books.
We were very pleased with the run of "Never Forget" reminiscences this year. In case anyone wants to look back, here they all are, in one place:
We saved a few responses to the series that readers sent in:
B.D. in St. Agatha, ON, Canada, writes: The "Never Forget" series is superb, no surprise. And "The Life You Save," from P.H. in Orlando, was, as (Z) wrote... wow.
G.A.R. in Basel, Switzerland, writes: The story of Matthew Patrick Berecy from P.H. in Orlando? I wept reading it.
Saving Private Ryan was a good movie. My God, this would make a better one.
J.M. in Portland, OR, writes: Thanks so much for running "Never Forget: Not Every Rosie Was a Riveter." about my mother. I only wish I had thought to include the subtitle: "They also serve who only stand and wait." -- John Milton
K.H. in Corning, NY, writes: I have been moved by the many reader stories in the "Never Forget" series. I was surprised, though, by the depth of my reaction to one small statement in many of them. Surprised, because years ago I would only have barely noticed, but a comment from my grandfather when I was a child, combined with some much later deliberate work at learning. has made it non-ignorable to me.
"Because of the G.I. Bill..."
Now, in my head, every single time I read those words, I pause and mentally insert: "Which was a benefit only offered to him because he was white; his 1.2 million fellow service members who were not white were denied access to this benefit. It was his leg up above them in getting his life back."
My grandfather, who served in both World War I and World War II, once made a passing comment when talking about his service as an officer, "My Black peers could not have this." I cannot even remember the exact context, only that he acknowledged, in the 1970s, that his position was blocked to people he served alongside of. They had a right to it, but were prevented from exercising their right. I have since learned so much more about rights that have been blocked and the subsequent generational effects of this denial, and the multiplying effects of failing to acknowledge it.
In respect to Memorial Day remembrances, this fact is part of what I remember. Part of me wishes everyone would add the parenthetical, because it is there, as part of the story.
J.L. in Ridgewood, NJ, writes: The "Never Forget" series has inspired me to present my story. It's a candidate for the most boring of the entire series, but some readers may benefit from hearing the moral.
Both my parents served in World War II. While they lived, I knew almost nothing more than that. It was a sort of background fact that I never bothered to pursue. After their deaths, I learned a little more, from the discharge papers that I found in the house. Now, how I wish I had asked them about their experiences!
For any reader who has a friend or relative who served, in World War II or since, the lesson is: Take the opportunity to learn more while you still can.
B.A. in Portland, OR, writes: I enjoyed the "Never Forget" series. It is a powerful way to honor the individuals who shaped our history, and I am always struck by the richness of the personal accounts.
But the vast majority of these submissions focus on those who served in World War II. I wonder about the absence of stories from Korea, Vietnam and the decades of conflict since. I understand you can only publish what is submitted. Is the lack of submissions a reflection of how our culture values different wars?
Perhaps the country doesn't value service in these wars. There were no parades when these veterans returned. Perhaps they sensed that the country wasn't interested in their experience, and their stories weren't told or remembered.
Is it possible that we honor the war more than the service? World War II is often framed as "The Good War"—a moment of singular national unity and clear, decisive victory. When the narrative of a conflict is complex, ambiguous, or divisive, do we inadvertently silence the individuals who served in it?
I would be very interested to hear the thoughts of your readers on this. Why do you think some military experiences become part of our collective, celebrated history, while others seem to fade into the background? Are we missing a crucial part of our own history?
If readers have thoughts in response to the questions raised by B.A. in Portland, we are happy to hear them at comments@electoral-vote.com.
And with that, "Never Forget" goes into mothballs for now. It will be back next June, along with some of the stories that were submitted this year that we were unable to get to.
Tomorrow, we start the series in honor of the United States' 250th birthday. We did not expect this result, but the vote was a landslide. The series that readers want to see is "Lies Across America: Things about U.S. history that most people get wrong." We've already worked out a list of potential entries, but if readers have particular subjects they would like to see addressed, now is the time to let us know at comments@electoral-vote.com. (Z)