Page 18 - LIN DEC WEB

The Most Remarkable Christmas of the 20th Century

by Lois Bolin, Ph.D., Old Naples Historian

ver 2,000 Christmases have was 16th-best in the world, behind those
occurred since the birth of Jesus of Romania and Spain. After Roosevelt’s
“OChrist, but few saw the future of death, the United States was the most
humanity hanging so precariously in the balance powerful nation in the history of the world
as did the Christmas of 1941. That Christmas because he too refused to be intimidated by
came only weeks after the Japanese bombing of tyrants.
Pearl Harbor on December 7th. By December Nostalgia
24th, there was little guarantee that the Allied Christmas is filled with heart-warming
Powers — anchored by the United States, Great rituals that make this festive period so
Britain, and the Soviet Union — would be able special. Perhaps the most seasonal rituals
to defeat the Axis Powers of Nazi Germany, the Empire of Japan, are complaining that Christmas is too
and Italy.” (The Hill, Dec. 24, 2019.) commercialized (complaining can be good
Yet, fifteen days after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the Prime for you if it’s done with a purpose); and the
Minister of England, Winston Churchill, surprised Franklin D. rituals that connect us to our idealized past.
Roosevelt, President of the United States, with an unparalleled trip One of those beloved collective connections Army Veteran,
to Washington to jointly light the White House Christmas tree is a Christmas Parade. Florence Weinstein
and discuss the fate of the Free World. Oh, how we missed the City of Naples enjoying Taps
Across America at
“As these two Allied leaders met to map out a winning Christmas Parade last year, and oh how glad Lowdermilk Park
wartime strategy, the most remarkable Christmas of the century we are to say: it is on for 2021. This year’s
(Photo Courtesy of
played out across the globe.” (Pearl Harbor Christmas: A World at theme is based upon two cherished Christmas Heather Corace)
War, December 1941.) movies: In a World Full of Grinches-Be a
Presence of mind Griswold. Truth be told, both movies hold
While the uncertainty of World War II’s outcome looked similar life lessons: find the magic and whimsy when you were a
ominous, these leaders were most certain of the need to child and spread this joy far and wide.
commemorate and celebrate Christmas Day; to recognize the Our two 2021 Honorary Parade Marshals were part of the
dignity and brotherhood of man; and perhaps most importantly, most remarkable Christmas of the 20th century. World War II
to protect and celebrate the Army Veteran, Florence Weinstein (97), and World War II Army
innocence of childhood. Air Force Veteran, George Bashara (103) who both live these life
Is it any wonder that lessons and embody this magical spirit to spread joy wherever they
in 2002, out of 100 public go.
entries, Churchill was While many think that the modern American Christmas is a
selected as the greatest media phenomenon, I invite you to come to downtown Naples
Briton? No doubt he was on December 7th at 6pm to experience what a magical place the
flawed, but his bold and world was when you were a child. Veterans and their families
tireless resolve to take on are invited to Cambier Park where the city has reserved bleacher
the might of Nazi Germany; seating for you and yours.
inspired a nervous Britain to And if you can’t join us in person, then you can watch on the
never…never surrender. City Channel (Comcast 98,) Facebook or the City’s website. This
When Roosevelt came is not a media phenomenon – it is a way we connect our seasoned
into office, America’s Army citizens to the magic in this place we call home.
This is destined to be a remarkable Christmas.
AAF Veteran, George Bashera is with USAF Veteran, Wayne Smith at
the Naples Keep the Spirit of 45 Alive on August 14 at Seed to Table
(Photo courtesy of Lois Bolin)

18 Life in Naples | December 2021