Comment: Recall Greatest Generation’s sacrifices; wear a mask

By Jay Cook / For The Herald

As the number of deaths directly linked to COVID-19 infection continues to increase across the United States, it’s helpful to remember how a previous generation of Americans came together to combat a deadly foe.

Since the first COVID-19 death was reported in the United States on Feb. 6, more than 170,000 Americans have died of the disease; an average of about 875 people per day. From Dec. 7, 1941 (Pearl Harbor) to the end of World War II, about 407,000 American service personnel died in combat; an average of about 298 people per day.

During World War II the Greatest Generation willingly sacrificed short-term individual comforts for the greater good of the war effort. Our government rationed automobiles, tires, gasoline, coal, firewood, nylon, silk and shoes. Americans used their ration cards and stamps to buy their meager share of household staples including meat, dairy, coffee and cooking oils. These actions were widely considered patriotic. It’s difficult to imagine individuals, groups and elected officials openly denouncing and defying these measures during the war for the sake of their individual liberties.

Today we are facing a different kind of enemy in COVID-19. So far it is killing Americans at a higher rate than military foes did in World War II. The sacrifices asked of us now are to wear face masks and keep a 6-foot distance with others in public. These public health measures pale in comparison with what previous generations endured to help defeat a common enemy.

Future generations will judge our actions fighting the COVID-19 pandemic against that of our parents and grandparents fighting our last global threat during World War II. Let’s put aside distractions and step up to the biggest challenge of our time by keeping each other safe.

All you have to do is wear a mask and keep your distance. It’s your patriotic duty.

Dr. Jay Cook is chief medical officer for Providence Regional Medical Center Everett.