The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, on Dec. 7, 1941, is a landmark in the life of this nation, by which we judge where we are and where we were. The moment the news came over the radio that Sunday afternoon, it caught a nation in one instant like some great group photograph.

Fifty years have passed, and now we look back to pay homage to those who offered their lives and energies to fight fascism and imperialism, and to re-examine a symbolic moment in history.

Linwood J. Belisle of Edgartown — you’ve seen his Lin’s Lawn Mower Repair shingle on the Vineyard Haven Road — enlisted as a parachuter 42 years ago looking for adventure and some extra cash.

The well-kept secret of the Army's experimental base at Katama during the fall and early winter of 1943 is disclosed at last, in this issue of the Gazette.

Ten miles of heavy pipe were delivered, with other equipment, beginning in August, and during the following months five one-mile lengths of pipe were laid in the ocean with the aid of tugs, and welded together into an experimental pipeline under conditions similar to those which would be encountered in laying a gasoline supply line under the English Channel.

Enthusiasm of a variety that was wild by Island standards followed the 7 o'clock broadcast on Tuesday night that Japan had surrendered. The natural instinct and tendency to celebrate was manifested by just about every person able to walk and appear out of door; and it seemed, in the down-Island section, at least, that all were present.

This looks like V-J Day as the Gazette goes to press in a sunny and remarkably invigorating atmosphere. The morning began with clear skies and a feeling of both warmth and coolness in the air, the best that August can offer.

Early news broadcasts contained no hint of Japanese surrender, but by 8 o'clock the radio flashes were indicating the decision of Japan to surrender on the terms of the Potsdam declaration. Confidence began to appear more and more, and the day of liberation from war seemed to be at hand.

The first atomic bomb was dropped on Japan Sunday, but the Vineyard knew nothing of It until yesterday, and then only through the radio announcements. In the night there was wind and rain, and this morning a heavy fog wrapped the Island, not as impenetrable, however, as that which still shrouds the scene of destruction in Japan.
The events have no association except in our own minds, but this is how Islanders will recall the time when the release of atomic energy was made known to the world.

"The tumult and the shouting dies,

The captains and the kings depart. Still stands our ancient sacrifice,

An humble and a contrite heart."