Last year I posted an entry reflecting on the anniversary of the murder of John Lennon being today. This day still brings those feelings to mind with the same intensity, and in addition, I've used some late night cycles this week to watch the History Channel's documentary on Pearl Harbor, which was bombed 65 years ago on 12/07.
The history and stories are riviting. It's fascinating. It's more moving and dramatic then any work of fiction can capture. I visited the memorial many years ago and was very moved by the video we were shown prior to the trip to the monument. And yet it's also amazing to have lived through 9/11, to have a war taking place today, and to watch a production in which survivors, both US and Japanese, discuss their relative roles and experiences in the attack, including their own surprise at deceptions under which they operated and took action. It reflects the tone set in "The Fog Of War", on how time 'heals' wounds as well as changes perspectives and beliefs.
It makes me wonder, in 2046, will people involved in the acts of terrorism and war today, be looking back and commenting on their actions with a more educated and humane point of view? And yet, as they do, what might be the political climate and battles being fought at that time?
Ultimately, George Santayana's words echo in my thoughts.... "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it".