« We fought against them [Americans] and instead of harming us, they fed, clothed and rebuilt us. If it had been the Russians who had won the war instead, we would now be like North Korea. » — Owner of a noodle shop, Japan. Now is not the time to withdraw
People may be familiar with the term « The Greatest Generation, » now almost past, who fought World War II and rebuilt America in the shadow of the Great Depression.
Now there is « The Grateful Generation » — those who were touched by « The Greatest Generation, » their kindness and love in rebuilding the world after World War II. We in Asia and parts of the Middle East have a special place in our hearts for America.
From the graves of brave Americans at Normandy to freeing East Germany from Soviet domination, the United States has been the major force in leading the world for good.
After the end of World War II, General Douglas McArthur put out a call for 10,000 young men and women to help rebuild postwar Japan. Decades of abuse under a terrible dictator began slowly to heal.
My parents came to Japan, separately, from the West, met in Japan, married there, had their family and served the country for nearly 60 years.
When I was growing up in Japan, a strange event seemed to happen almost every day: Someone would stop, bow deeply and say » Arigato » (« thank you ») sometimes accompanied by an awkward handshake or hug.
One day at a noodle shop, the owner said, « What nationality are you? »
« American », I said.
« Son », he said, « everything we have is because of Americans. We fought against them and instead of harming us, they fed, clothed and rebuilt us. If it had been the Russians who had won the war instead, we would now be like North Korea. »
Throughout the world, particularly in Japan, Korea, Europe, the islands of the Pacific and so many other places, there were, and still are, people scattered throughout the world who were loved and cared for by the Americans.
