“There is always someone having a much worse day than you.” It is cliche that is often used to console the disturbed minds. Many Indians were shocked when Prime Minister Narendra Modi deliberately ignored to mention about the previous illustrious prime minsters of India like Nehru and Indira Gandhi.
They were wondering about the historical slight of RSS stalwarts. Unfortunately, in this new world, the politicians and even the common man doesn’t bother about courtesy, politeness, acknowledgements or thanks. We are becoming selective in every sphere of life. However, we’re not alone in this ungrateful theatre.
Honouring the soldiers is a universal tradition and India or America are no exception. We revere and admire our men and women who serve in armed forces especially when when they faced death on duty. We eulogise their sacrifices and we don’t discriminate among them.
However, I was shocked when I read the story of the 294 US Navy technical staff members who had been viciously attacked by Israeli jets and cruisers on June 8, 1967. They were serving on a US Navy technical research ship that was stationed in international waters north of the Sinai Peninsula.
The USS Liberty stayed afloat despite nearly two hours of strafing and bombing.
The crew held their fire and tried to alert the attackers that they were openly flying a US flag and were not engaged in any military threats. The attack killed 34 crew members, all US citizens and decorated military servicemen. Another 174 were seriously wounded. The attack was launched by America’s “ally” Israel. Ever since, both Israel and its American political defenders have blocked numerous efforts to highlight it.
Ever since, both Israel and its American political defenders have put every effort to balck-out this news.
In the so-called civilized nation, instead of being honouring these martyrs at the Veteran’s Day ceremonies or during national holidays, these poor victims are demonized and denounced as “anti-Semites” simply because they have challenged Israel’s propaganda, which asserts falsely that it made a mistake.
Sometime back, in a city in Florida called Palm Coast, it was suggested that a small plaque in the “Heroes Park” should be installed commemorating those of the Liberty victims. The park district approved the plaque, especially since one of the Liberty survivors, Ernest Gallo, has lived in Palm Coast for 15 years.
Communities with veterans living among them are usually proud to showcase them. Yet for some unexplained reasons, the city council voted to block placement of the plaque at “Heroes Park.” Politicians in this Florida community decided that these veterans did not deserve recognition.
In Europe the people have begun to realize the brutality of Israel against the helpless Palestinians. New voices are being raised there in favour of voiceless inhabitants of the Holy Land of Prophets. It is so sad that Israel holds a strong fist at the minds of Americans that they care two hoots about the plight of Palestine. They are too funky about Israel. The world has yet to change for better.
