56th Edition
What gives you perspective? When you suddenly or even gradually realize you’ve lost the proper perspective, what helps you find it? I’ve been thinking about that question as I read a book called “Victory at Mortain” written by Mark Reardon. In a nutshell, it is a very detailed account of the pivotal battle at Mortain, a small village in north-western France, fought between August 7 – 12, 1944. American forces, predominantly from the 30th Infantry Division, stopped a massive counteroffensive by the German army. It was one of the fiercest and most decisive battles of the European campaign. As I read about the bravery of so many young men on both sides, I couldn’t help but imagine what would have happened to me if I were in their place. Would I have lived? Died? Been even a little bit courageous?
While those questions might be natural for serious readers of WWII history, or any war for that matter, this isn’t exactly what I mean by finding proper perspective. It isn’t an imaginary exercise whereby we insert ourselves in history hoping we measure up to the actual heroes.
It is rather a pause in our hectic, overscheduled lives, to reflect upon and appreciate the sacrifice of so many during that tumultuous period, nearly eighty years ago. By remembering the 30th Infantry Division at Mortain, the Big Red One at Omaha, and the 101st Airborne at Bastogne, to name just a few of the heroes and pivotal battles of WWII, we put our life today in proper perspective. Inspired by their stories of unflinching courage despite unimaginable horror, perhaps as individuals and as a nation, we can approach challenges today with gratitude and grace.
During WWII, Allied forces fought for freedom against tyranny and unconscionable brutality. Today, despite endless hyperbole, our country doesn’t face anything that compares to the evil that drove the Axis powers to start a war that led to the death of nearly sixty million people. This isn’t to minimize the challenges America faces today, nor the plight of those who struggle with health issues, financial strains, or emotional and psychological problems. But it should give us at least one important perspective, that working together, there is no challenge that can’t be overcome. I know the naysayers will respond that some things just can’t be fixed, and while this might be true, it shouldn’t prevent us from uniting in a common cause to help those who need it and to advance the common good.
The problem today is that there is no common enemy or existential threat to unite us. But do we really need that to motivate us to improve the life of our neighbor or to strengthen our communities? What better way to honor the sacrifice of WWII veterans than by finding ways to sacrifice for others today? Isn’t that the proper perspective to have when we think about that defining period in history?
Proper perspective can also be found much closer to home. When we remember those who served us, perhaps we can willingly serve others. My grandmother lived a life of service to others that still inspires me. One does not have to be the center of attention to be at the heart of a family gathering.
My all-time favorite teacher passed away not too long ago. He was the first teacher who somehow made me feel like I was smart. I can still hear his authoritative voice remind me in geometry class… “there are many secant lines, Mr. Kayes,” as if all exceptional students of geometry would know.
Today, I share with my basketball players, a similar phrase I hope will inspire them… In basketball you have to be quick, but not in a hurry. A quote from John Wooden (of course).
When we say things to inspire, to reinforce high expectations, but with kindness, and even love, we become servant teachers. A humble role, but with immeasurable impact. Perhaps that is the most proper perspective of all… to make a difference, every chance we get.
If you like history, check out this link to a history book on my author’s website: https://kayesbooks.com/economics/
Amazon Link: https://a.co/d/1ODQyUE
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Michael Kayes
*These views are my personal opinions and are not the viewpoints of any company or organization.