Jean Sherac’s letter (“Maybe it’s time to stop celebrating Victory Over Japan Day,” Aug 13) presented an incomplete picture of America’s victory over Japan.

In referring to the “shameful aspects” of our history, she neglected to consider how many local Bristolians fought and died in the Pacific, some barbarically tortured first. Total U.S. casualties for an assault on Japan were estimated to be in the order of 1,000,000.

Japanese defenders in the Pacific often fought to the very last man, which demonstrated the expected ferocity of an assault on the Japanese homeland. Large numbers of men and equipment had been deployed to the U.S. west coast in anticipation of the invasion of Japan.

Nor did Ms. Sherac mention Japan’s initial aggressive act with the attack on Pearl Harbor. Furthermore, Pres. Harry Truman, who gave the order for the bombing of Nagasaki and Hiroshima, asserted that he had no choice given the continuous defiance of the Japanese; and that in making his decision, his intention was to save American lives by ending the war.

Also omitted was America’s rebuilding Japan after the war, which America did with western Europe with the Marshall Plan, and other generous assistance. The U.S. has been magnanimous with aid to foreign countries for years on end. As for Commodore Parry, Japan still celebrates his opening of the country.

It escapes me how citizens who enjoy the advantages and blessings of our country are often eager to disparage it rather than support it and those brave warriors who gave their lives to their country because they believed in its principles. Yes, the study of American history reveals its flaws, but we have much more of which to be proud than ashamed.

Donna DeLeo Bruno
Bristol