For most people, World War II was a distant affair- one for the history books. Many impressions of humanity’s most destructive period come either from movies (I loved Saving Private Ryan) or the more modern medium of video games (before Call of Duty became a modern shooter). But history is a living thing. What once was, influences us still. World War I brought about the Second World War which created the Cold War. The collapse of the Soviet Union would lead us to the world we live in today. As we near the 70th anniversary of the end of WWII, it becomes even more important for us to remember. The lessons of the past are paramount to our futures. In this post are old photographs belonging to someone who helps onboard the Battleship IOWA. His father served in the Navy, hence he today now is involved with the ship.

So take a look at these photographs from the War in the Pacific, for the past is with us still.