The US and Russia mark Pearl Harbor and Hitler's invasion very differently – that tells us a lot about national identity
Over generations, perceptions distort history, and keeping memory alive is important for national identity
Last month, Russia marked June 22, the date Operation Barbarossa - or Hitler’s invasion of the Soviet Union – began in 1941. As a former American officer from a military family, whose close ancestors fought in World War II, I could not but reflect on why in America the date that war began for us – December 7, when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor – is not observed as solemnly as June 22 is in Russia.
BY SCOTT RITTER