Mike O'Connell

As promised, today this blog celebrates the anniversary of the “real” end of World War II. It was September 2, 1945, that representatives from the Empire of Japan formally surrendered to Allied commanders aboard the USS Missouri. (Yes, I realize there were at least two more peace treaties after this one, and word on the street is there are still Japanese soldiers out there today unconvinced that the war is actually over, but this date is good enough for me.)

Tomorrow evening I have the honor and privilege to entertain a group of World War II veterans at a ceremony commemorating their achievements and the celebrating the end of the war. Their day will start at Arlington National Cemetery, then move down the road to a Crystal City hotel where I’ll be doing an evening of World War II era songs with good old-fashioned American pride and exuberance.

Remember when we used to root for our country to win? These guys do, and not knowing how many more of their anniversary parties I’ll get to do, I’ll make this one count.

I don’t think I’ve ever felt a breathless anticipation for a preseason football game as I have for tomorrow’s beltway battle between the Washington Redskins and the Ravens of Baltimore. Meaningless exhibition? Hardly. You’d think the Super Bowl, Presidential election, and all future sunrises were riding on this contest.

Maybe it’s because I live here that I think this is getting so much attention. Maybe it’s because I live in an area where people just love to talk. Or maybe it really is that important.

Whatever it is, do not attempt to contact me between 7 and 11 p.m. tomorrow evening. There’s a meaningless exhibition game for me to watch.

Watching the Wyndham Championship yesterday I certainly expected to be transported back in time to about 1997. I was, but not with the guy I was expecting. Congrats, Davis Love III, on the victory, and thank you for making me feel not quite so old for a day.

Usually when I watch, well, let’s say veteran sportsmen compete I think, wow, I remember that guy as a kid, he must be really old.

And then I find out the guy is 36.

Davis Love III?

Yeah, that guy really is old.

Nice.

I probably don’t stop to think about it often enough, but I’m an incredibly lucky person. This past Monday’s homecoming concert was for me a thrilling experience, and I realize not everyone gets to do something like that. (If you have the means, though, I recommend it highly.)

Friends were seen, music was played, and stories were shared, and I’m already looking forward to about five years from now when I would do something like this again. In the meantime I’ll just live my regular life, the one with the attractive wife, adorable baby, and house in the suburbs.

Yeah, I’m a pretty lucky guy.

I think this picture pretty much says it all.

Seventy years ago today (or tomorrow, depending on where you were at the time) the largest and most most bloody conflict in the history of mankind came to an end. I realize a formal surrender did not take place until the following month; I will note the anniversary again at that time.

Those of us who did not live through World War II have a tough time grasping the scope of the conflict and its mind-boggling inhumanity. Amazing too is that the era wasn’t that long ago, and there are still people around today who lived through it. Sadly those numbers are falling, and someday that number will be none. But our thoughts will remain… along with our prayers, and a well-timed photograph or two.