The Gray Line Tour
Published 12:00 am Sunday, September 23, 2001
By LEONARD GRAY
We have been down this road
A newspaper as full of years as this one makes for fascinating archives. Through most of the major events of the past century, since 1913, L’Observateur has had something to say.
The following excerpts are from a front-page editorial published immediately after the attack on Pearl Harbor in the issue of Dec. 13, 1941:
We Are At War
The people of the United States and of the world, with the exception of the dictators and their associates, were shocked beyond expression at the foul blow dealt the United States last Sunday morning…
It was a surprise attack, characterized by treachery of the worst form…
Of course, the master-mind who inspired the diabolical attack is too well known to require mentioning, and it is with the hope of staying his setting star that he induced the militarists to engage the United States in war…
The American sailors and soldiers are going to demand the exact and accounting for this outstanding display of treachery, while the two contries were at peace. Nobody can tell how long the war will last, but the Allies are certain to win. American soldiers turned the tide in the last World War and they are going to do it again, even though the job be more difficult…
Americans are united, and they are going to fight to preserve human liberty and human rights as they have never done before.”
Removing references to Japan, and the story’s the same today.
In the newspaper’s next column is a call from the American Red Cross:
“Again, the American Red Cross is called upon to serve ournation in war, both nationally and locally. We face vast and definite responsibilities for services to our armed forces and for relief to distressed civilians.”
Gov. Sam Jones also proclaimed Dec. 19-20 as registration days for volunteers 18 years and older of all races and creeds for civilian defense in the state of Louisiana.
“All schools, civic organizations, clubs, public officials and others are requested to assist in this worthy and urgent need,” the proclamation included.
For good or ill, history does repeat itself.
LEONARD GRAY is assistant managing editor of L’Observateur.
