Page 46 - CLT102620

46 ¦ OCTOBER 26, 2020 OPINION

Viewpoint: The Greatest Generation
Wouldn’t Have Complained About Masks

By Carl A. Secola Jr.

For months now we have witnessed an almost
fanatical resistance to sound scientific rec-
ommendations regarding masks. Somehow
masks and social distancing have been politicized
and demonized as an ominous affront to and the
first step in a diabolical plan to eliminate our most
basic liberties. This false narrative has taken hold
despite the fact that these simple measures are
at the moment among the most potent weapons
our nation has in its limited arsenal in our fight
against this insidious enemy.
I realize masks can be uncomfortable and in-
convenient. I understand that we are hardwired
as social creatures and social distancing is inher-
ently unnatural and depressing. I am amazed,
however, by the level of militancy demonstrated
by many of those who oppose donning masks or John Disney/ ALM

foregoing reckless behavior at large gatherings, assigned to convoy duty in the Atlantic. My father
despite the ruinous impact their behavior can had to wait to follow in his brother’s footsteps, he
have on themselves and others. graduated early from High School and at 17, en-
listed in the Navy. He became a Seabee and that’s
As I listen to those who complain so bitterly of
the personal hardships endured and the threat to how he ended up on Okinawa in May of 1945.
their Constitutional rights arising out of wearing Unlike his brother who was often in harm’s way,
masks and social distancing, I cannot help but he was lucky enough to have arrived on Okinawa
think about how differently we are behaving as after the Marines had done all the heavy lifting
a nation in dealing with this crisis as compared and secured the island. During the war thousands
to how our parents and grandparents responded of American servicemen could not attend proms,
to the hardships and sacrifices they faced during weddings, sporting events, go on “spring breaks,”
World War II. I recently thought back to the night frequent nightclubs or attend other large social
of my High School Prom. As my father handed gatherings, but for those who were lucky enough
me the car keys and said, “You know where I was to return home safely, that was good enough for
during my prom?” “No, where”, I replied. He then them. They bore the burden and paid the price,
said, “I was on Okinawa.” necessary to protect and preserve something big-
There was no hint of bitterness in the way he ger than themselves, they did it for others, many
said it, he was just very matter of fact about it. Af- of whom they would never know.
ter Pearl Harbor his older brother Fred enlisted in I cannot help but reflect on the conduct of
the Navy and was a Torpedo Man on a Destroyer that “Greatest Generation” as I watch so many

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