The lessons of Hiroshima 80 years later
By Lawrence Kadish, founder and president of The Museum of American Armor
This month marks the 80th anniversary of the use of nuclear weapons to end World War II. Two atomic bombs destroyed two Japanese cities, sending shock waves all the way to the Emperor’s bomb bunker in Tokyo where he told his military staff he would no longer sacrifice his country and its civilians in a war that was destroying his nation.
The debate continues to this day as to the morality of nuclear weapons, critics citing the enormous human cost. What they consistently fail to tally is the cost of not using atomic bombs to end the conflict.
Consider that more Japanese were killed during B-29 fire bombing raids on cities such as Tokyo than the nuclear strike on Nagasaki. No reference is made by critics to the naval blockades that were reducing the daily calorie intake for civilians to starvation levels. Nor is there reference to the devastating attacks on America’s naval fleet by Kamikaze suicide bombers or the horrific loss of life among Marines to take just one hill on Iwo Jima.
The alternative to nuclear weapons was Operation Downfall, the planned invasion of Japan's home islands. Military estimates projected catastrophic casualties: potentially one million American deaths and several million Japanese casualties, including civilians who were being instructed to fight the American invasion with sharpened bamboo sticks.
The invasion in 1946 would have made the atomic death count in Hiroshima and Nagasaki look like a minor footnote to a country wide bloodbath.
The atomic bombs shocked the Imperial Japanese Household into the unthinkable.
Emperor Hirohito's surrender announcement specifically cited "a new and most cruel bomb" as a factor in Japan's capitulation. In the face of a failed last minute Japanese military coup that sought to prevent him from addressing the nation, Hirohito would tell stunned civilians, “..the war situation has developed not necessarily to Japan’s advantage, while the general trends of the world have all turned against her interest.” In other words, we quit.
Revisionist critics can argue that Japan was already defeated and would have surrendered without the bombs, but the facts and history reveals otherwise. After the surrender, captured documents revealed the Japanese had a very good idea where the American invasion would come and were prepared to expend lives to bloody those beaches. And that would be just the beginning.
There is no question that the atomic strikes caused considerable suffering but President Harry Truman knew he had the ultimate weapon to end World War II and with it, prevent the deaths of more Americans – and many more Japanese. History's judgment must weigh not only what happened, but what was prevented as we look back on the 80th anniversary of this final chapter of World War II
Business leader Eric Blumencranz joins the team guiding the future of The Museum of American Armor
Eric Blumencranz has been named an ex officio member of the Board of Trustees at the Museum of American Armor where a collection of over fifty operational armor vehicles pays tribute to the courage and valor of those who have defended our freedoms.
“With Eric’s appointment, our Armor Museum’s efforts continue to grow from strength to strength, reflecting our shared commitment to our mission of educating a new generation of Americans as to the sacrifice of those who came before them,” stated Lawrence Kadish, president and founder of the Armor Museum.
“I am honored to be part of a museum that has become a regional, national, and international destination for visitors who find an immersive experience of a conflict that continues to define our world,” stated Blumencranz. “We have a responsibility to tell that story as it was an era when freedom hung in the balance, saved by young adults who would become our parents and grandparents.”
An attorney, Mr. Blumencranz is a managing director at NFP, an Aon company, a global firm with a strong Long Island presence. A business management consulting firm, its areas of expertise include insurance, benefits, and wealth management. He is a past recipient of the “Person of the Year” by the Nassau County Law Enforcement Program, reflecting his sustained support of our local police departments. He is a graduate of the George Washington University School of Business and received his J.D. from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, where he concentrated on Estate and Tax Planning, Employee Benefits and Business Perpetuation Planning. Eric is Chair of the Nassau County Police Department Foundation, Vice Chair of Ronald McDonald House Charities NY Metro, a member of the Nassau County Law Enforcement Explorers board, and member of the Board of Advisors of Northwell Health System.
Colonel Jason Halloren (ret.), past deputy commandant at West Point and an Armor Museum trustee observed, “Eric brings to his role a shared passion for telling the story of America’s military heritage. He also recognizes that more than anything else, the Museum of American Armor is a crucial educational resource at a time when the teaching of history is being reduced in assigned class time.”
BIG NEWS!
Former West Point Deputy Commandant joins the board of The Museum of American Armor
Commack resident brings insight, experience, and vision to the Board.
Jason Halloren, former Deputy Commandant of the United States Military Academy at West Point, and a Commack resident, has been nominated to the board of The Museum of American Armor, whose extensive collection of historic military vehicles pays tribute to those Americans who have served to protect our freedoms.
“Mr. Halloren’s extraordinary military credentials, coupled with his passion for preserving our nation’s heritage, make him an important part of the Armor Museum’s future,” stated Lawrence Kadish, president and founder of the museum.
“The Museum of American Armor is a national treasure,” Mr. Halloren said. “Its collection of operational armor breathes life into every history lesson that instructs visitors on the courage, sacrifice, and valor of those who have worn our nation’s military uniform. I am truly honored to be welcomed to its board and to provide whatever assistance I can to ensure its future remains as vibrant and innovative as the past ten years since it first opened its doors.”
During his tour as Deputy Commandant at West Point, Mr. Halloren’s responsibilities were centered on the character and leadership development training of over 4400 cadets, future officers of the U.S. Army. He was also involved in meeting the academy’s various infrastructure needs, staffing, and fiscal responsibilities.
Michael D. Sapraicone, the Armor Museum’s Senior Trustee, stated, “We are honored and fortunate to have Jason join the Armor Museum’s board. He brings a wealth of experience in many of the key operational aspects of our institution as well as his recognition that, at the end of the day, we are an important educational destination for thousands of students across the region.”
Prior to his role at West Point, Mr. Halloren was Chief Executive Officer (Brigade Commander), 5th ROTC Brigade, United States Army Cadet Command (USACC) at Fort Sam Houston, Texas.
PRESENTING "FDR" AS LIVING HISTORY
