In 1951, General Douglas MacArthur said good-bye in an address to a joint session of Congress. I remember images of that speech. We did not yet have a television at home so I assume I saw him during a school assembly that included a recent newsreel. Newreels were short films that highlighted events from a few weeks ago. They were a standard feature at movie theaters. By the time they were shown at school during our bi-weekly or monthly gathering, the news was a tad stale. Nonetheless a few were very memorable to me. (Such as Roger Bannister breaking the four minute mile.)
General MacArthur was a well known hero from World War Two. As a boy the names of the men who had led the nation to victory were well known to me. Eisenhower, Bradley, Doolittle and Patton. Right up there was “I shall return” MacArthur. Plus he and his family had a Milwaukee connection. Later in life Papa often parked in a garage under MacArthur Squre when visiting the county courthouse.
I remember a sense of sorrow at the 1951 speech. I didn’t know the full details but some felt he had been treated unfairly/forced to retire. That a bona fide war hero was fired by the President mystified me at that age. A bittersweet moment to be sure. Near the end of the speech he said “old soldiers never die; they just fade away.” That phrase stuck with me. The words came at the end of a storied fifty-two year military career.
Sometimes Papa thinks “fading away” is not a bad idea. Currently, a second special counsel investigation, that follows a specific 1/6 congressional investigation and two prior congressional impeachments against President Trump was announced this morning. Five bites at the apple by my count. An inviting target but is there any doubt why he feels like a victim? He has at times been his own worst enemy but it has been six years of panting pursuit. Not just for him but also for the nation. Will the media or politicians ever tire of stoking their contempt to a boil? Of course, he will defend. Fight. For whatever reason, it’s an environment he enjoys. Media will be happy for profits from the story without end. Democrats may wish him to be the Presidential Election opponent in 2024. If he needs an infusion of cash to secure the nomination will there be a cynical “cutesy two”? It worked this election cycle. Or, is that playing too close to the fire? Soon the republicans will start some counter investigations. Any such action will undoubtedly draw the ire of the “5” side. It’s all partisan is a claim that is not too hard to predict.
I fear there will be no “fade away” in your childhood memories of 2016-2024.