On an early August morning in 1945 the world was forever changed by the dropping of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima and the death of over 73,000 people. This incident was a key event to bringing World War II to a close.

Last year, the Smithsonian Institution proposed to mark the 50th anniversary of this event with an exhibit. Initially exhibit coordinators chose to tell their own story of why the atom bomb was used. The proposed display portrayed the American government and veterans as "evil aggressors" who desired to crush the Japanese empire for entirely greedy motives. This display did not include all the reasons which led to the decision to drop the atomic bomb.

This decision was not made rashly. Allied leaders agonized for months before making their choice. Yes, many had reservations about using the atomic bomb but few opposed the final decision. The choice was made to bring an end to the war, to save thousands of American and Japanese lives, and to prevent the possible Soviet occupation of the Japanese mainland.

An invasion of Japan had already been planned by Allied forces. Based on the 35 percent casualty rate in battles for Iwo Jima and Okinawa, this plan predicted 230,000 Americans would suffer injury or death. Also based on 78,000 deaths from bombing Tokyo, and from bombings of German cities, such as Dresden, estimates concluded that the Japanese population would be decimated. The Smithsonian decided these factors, as well as other factors, would not be included.

The American GI is not trying to censor the negative aspects of Hiroshima. Many involved still suffer from the emotional effects and work to prevent further use of nuclear weapons. However, the Smithsonian blatantly attempted to "revise" history in order to make their own political statement. Veterans groups rightfully protested this. They are not saying that this anniversary should be a time for celebration but, rather a time of reflection. Our World War II veterans know the tragedy and horror of war better than most individuals ever could and have no desire to glorify war.

The editors stated in their editorial that they desire "... a complete, unbiased record of history." Apparently the editors consider the truth to only come from those dubbed by Capt. Dutch Van Kirk as "... overeducated armchair patriots." These individuals condemn the decision of the past made by people who made the decision based on the information available at the time.

To learn the whole truth I suggest, since the Collegian has not attended a Veterans Day ceremony on this campus for several years, the editors talk with our area veterans WHO WERE THERE. For they are the ones that truly know the complete story and reflect on their own memories, both good and bad, of this event. Then maybe the editors will learn more than just USA Today's version of World Wwar II.

Although the editors believe that the Enola Gay display will have "an overwhelming pro-American slant," it will do no more than simply state the fact that the atom bomb was used. Let the visitors to this display make their own conclusions without the bias of revisionists who seek to disgrace the sacrifice that our veterans made for the sake of the freedom that we all enjoy.