world war ii – Madison Catholic Herald

During World War II near London, on Christmas morning, some lonely American soldiers looked for a Mass to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

As they searched, they discovered an old gray stone building. Carved over the door were the words, “Queen Anne’s Orphanage.” They knocked and a matron came to the door. She explained that the children were orphans whose parents had been killed in bombing raids.

Sharing the Christmas spirit

The soldiers went inside as the children tumbled happily out of bed and hurried into the gray guest room. There were no Christmas trees, crib, or presents.

On October 21, 2010

Robert Schelble

Should consider Japanese mindset during World War II

To the editor:

Don Skarda did an excellent job of responding to Tony Magliano’s article in the August 19 Catholic Herald concerning the United States’ use of atomic bombs.

I had the honor of having been on active duty in the Navy when the atomic bombs were dropped on Japan and was anticipating the strong possibility of being involved in the invasion of Japan.

On October 14, 2010

James Tumpach

Cannot justify ending war by targeting non-combatants

To the editor:

In response to Don Skarda’s article, “Dropping bombs was seen as necessary” (Catholic Herald, September 16, 2010), I think it is important to point out other elements that ought to be examined in an argument for or against military actions.

Sometimes, with regard to the dropping of atomic bombs on Japan, two arguments seem to arise. One is the argument that American lives were saved. The second argument is the one posited by Mr. Skarda in his article. It usually begins with the equivalent of “they started it.”

On October 14, 2010

Christopher Seyfert

Teaching condemns indiscriminate acts of war

To the editor:

I write in response to Don Skarda’s letter of September 16 and Ray McCool’s letter of October 7, both in support of the decision to use atomic weapons on Japan in World War II. During this Respect Life month of October, I feel I cannot let these sentiments pass unchallenged as they fly in the face of Catholic teaching.

Both letters make appeals to emotion but refuse to consider the issues of morality involved. I would like to make two points:

On October 7, 2010

Ray McCool

United States forced to use atomic bombs in war

To the editor:

Kudos to Don Skarda for his letter of September 16 referring to Tony Magliano’s article in the August 19 Catholic Herald regarding the United States’ use of the atomic bombs.

Finally someone has stood up to Mr. Magliano’s comments about the guilt he tried to place on the U.S.A. for using the bombs on Japan during World War II.

On September 16, 2010

Don Skarda

Dropping bombs was seen as necessary to end the war

To the editor:

I am writing in response to the article “Remembering the destruction” written by Tony Magliano in the August 19 issue of the Catholic Herald.

First, I want to preface my remarks by saying I am a proud son of a World War II veteran (my father), who “passed away” two years ago. My father was one of many soldiers (many of whom were still teenagers) stationed in the Philippines waiting for the order to attack Japan.

Their parents (my grandparents) were nervously waiting at home, not knowing whether their children were alive or dead. Many had bought burial plots because they were preparing for the worst.