Each generation has its moment

Short Rows Head

Each generation has moments that are indelibly imprinted in its collective memory, moments that are recalled and retold time after time.

My generation knows precisely where we were when John F. Kennedy was assassinated. For our parents, the defining moment of their lives was Dec. 7, 1941 — 75 years ago today.

It was Sunday afternoon on the East Coast and families were finishing their traditional Sunday dinner. Many had turned on the family radio. Up and down the coast, they may have been listening to the live coverage of the Giant and Dodgers baseball game, the National Vespers program or a concert by the New York Philharmonic. In Virginia, many were listening to the Sammy Kaye musical program, Those were pretty much the choices available.

Then, at 2:22 p.m., the Associated Press issued the bulletin that would change the world — and, coincidentally, usher in a new era of nearly instant news. The AP bulletin was the first public report of the attack on Pearl Harbor, and it occurred while the attack was still underway.

Within minutes, news networks had confirmed the initial report to their satisfaction and were breaking into the Sunday afternoon programs to announce what was happening.

I recall my parents saying that they were visiting their neighbors, Grover and Jean Yeoman, and heard the announcement over the Yeoman’s radio.

(A story in today’s Times relates similar remembrances by local residents interviewed this week.)

Read the rest of this page »

SportsPlus

News

Smithfield planners vote 4-2 against Red Point Taphouse water waiver

News

Smithfield starts drafting master plan for Luter Sports Complex

News

Inspiration is everywhere for Windsor native-turned-author

Carrollton

Trial date set for New York man accused of Carrollton murder

News

Police seek Hampton man charged with Woods Edge shooting

Isle of Wight County

State Senate’s budget plan has school sales tax option

Isle of Wight County

More snow on the way Tuesday

News

Four charged with selling marijuana at Smithfield vape stores

News

Woods Edge Apartments shooting leaves one in critical condition

News

Town Council adopts new entrance corridor, historic district guidelines

News

Man accused of killing teen, leaving body in IW, set for Feb. 12 arraignment

News

Surry residents fear loss of Sunken Meadow Pond from wetlands project

News

Surry planners again postpone vote on ordinance to allow battery storage

News

Fewer jobs, $1M less tax revenue expected from revised warehouse plan

News

Split Town Council votes against forgiving SRA debt with interest from Luter funds

News

‘Promontory’ would include fast food, sit-down restaurants

News

Audit shows Smithfield surplus

News

Feb. 18 trial set for suspect in ABC store theft after second suspect pleads

News

Boar’s Head seeks to dismiss suit by Smithfield man infected with listeria

Isle of Wight County

Rountree proposes nonprofit take over running Isle of Wight Animal Shelter

Carrollton

Route 17 widening makes shortlist for state funding

News

Smithfield man charged with possessing firearm as felon

News

Cypress Creek Bridge traffic to shift to north side for duration of rehab

Carrollton

IW supervisors outline process for filling McCarty’s seat