Day of Infamy presentation, Dec. 1
“He will be talking about the incidents that occurred up to the attack on Pearl Harbor,” Town administrator David Smoak said of Galbraith.
“This is the 20th year in a roll, I think, we’ve done this,” said Galbraith, a former history teacher. He estimated about 75 people attended last year’s program.
“There’s not too many people left to do it,” he said. “I’m going to give (the presentation) possibly the last year.
“I’m 84 years old, and nobody else does this. I want people to remember what we went through.
“It’s just so important,” the historian added. He related the 1905 quote from philosopher George Santayana, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”
“So, I want folks to know,” Galbraith said. “And, you’d be surprised how our younger generations are not aware of these things.
“But, we can go through whatever we have to go through as long as we remain true to the principles of this great country we live in,” he added.
Galbraith also wanted to relate “how we held on together (during those times of war), we came through it and then we ended up winning the war again.
“We have won two world wars thanks to America being involved in them,” he said. “We just got to remember what our country stands for, what we have done; and because of what we have done and what we stand for, the future is something we can plan on winning.
“So, that’s why I keep doing it,” Galbraith added. “We
can get through whatever comes up. We can do it. We’re Americans.
“I’m doing (the Day of Infamy presentation) three times this year: for the Town, Oak Ridge and Villages of Farragut,” he said.
At 6 p.m., there will be a reception with light refreshments to honor veterans.
Also, Carl Peiers, 86, will be on hand at 6:30 p.m., to sign copies of his book, “I Survived Growing Up in Nazi Germany,” and Spider Man will make an appearance.
“I want all the vets possible to be there so we can honor them,” Galbraith said.
