On this holiday, when we contemplate our nation, or, more appropriately, the ideas of “democracy” and “justice for all,” which remain stubbornly elusive, let me offer a hopeful and brilliant line from one of the greatest radio broadcasts in history.
The masterpiece was written and delivered on May 8, 1945, by the inimitable Norman Corwin. Nearly half the nation – 60 million Americans – tuned in.
The moment, and the message, seem more relevant than ever, considering the current climate of hatred and nativism stoked by the previous administration – an all-out attack on immigrants, minorities, voting rights, an independent judiciary, a free press, and truth itself.
May 8 was VE Day. We celebrated the allied victory over Nazi Germany. Hitler, aided by those who enabled him, terrorized and murdered millions of Jews, Jehovah’s Witnesses, homosexuals, gypsies, the infirmed, and political opponents of the left.
In his broadcast, “On a Note of Triumph,” Corwin praised the valor of all who took the fight to fascism, especially the G.I.s who won the war. He also pondered the larger questions of what we had learned and what would prevent such a horror to reoccur. The indefatigable poet and journalist reminded us that – at least on that day – good had vanquished evil in the name of our highest values.
“Post proof,” he said, “that brotherhood is not so wild a dream as those who profit by postponing it pretend.”