President Franklin D. Roosevelt used the phrase “Day of Infamy” to describe the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor that resulted in the United States entry into World War II. Other momentous flashpoints are also known by a singular phrase such as “Remember the Maine” that signaled the advent of the 1898 Spanish-American War.
There are, however, historical events that are known primarily for their date to evoke vivid images and emotions in our collective consciousness. Reference to September 11 immediately conjures the horrors of the World Trade Center twin towers collapsing after terrorists commandeered airplanes to destroy them, attack the Pentagon and, but for the heroic efforts of passengers of flight 93, strike the White House. January 6 was added to this lexicon in 2021. Observance of the third anniversary of the shameful desecration of our nation’s capitol and our democracy is exacerbated by the continued struggle to adjudicate the damage by those responsible.
While some have faced the consequences, others continue to flaunt the rule of law and hide behind partisan prattle and nonsense that relies on repetition of distorted “facts” to misrepresent that day’s events. For those who witnessed the irrational and cruel behavior of that day, it should be impossible to reach any other conclusion. This was a clear case of uncivilized behavior that will forever stain the date.
This new year, democracy can prevail at the ballot box. Many have described this election cycle as the ultimate challenge, an existential threat to the very foundation of our country. It is more important than ever for citizens to reach beyond partisan politics and protect and preserve our way of life. Threats such as this have risen in the past and, in each instance, been repelled. Let’s make sure the election year 2024 does not include days of infamy.