Norman Corwin - Fourteen August

The 14th August 2005 marks the 60th anniversary of the end of World War Two, the day that the Japanese finallysurrendered and which became known as VJ day, Victory in Japan. Once again to commemorate this day the great American writer Norman Corwin was called upon to write a tribute to the brave men who had fought the battle against tyranny.

Despite having only one-day notice to prepare his tribute commissioned by the Columbia Broadcasting System Norman Corwin created a truly moving masterpiece depicturing the feeling of the whole nation at this time and passionately orated by Orson Welles.

It began; This day is the Father of great anniversaries. Men and saints shall picnic together on fourteen August down more years than you or I shall ever see...

Congratulations for being alive and listening on this night, millions didn't make it they died before their time and they are gone and gone for the fascists got them. They are not here but their acts are here and they are to be saluted from the lips and from the heart...

There is very little that can be written about Norman Corwin that has not already been better expressed by others. That he is an outstanding writer and was an innovative force in radio is indisputable and Fourteen August is a remarkable piece of history, which should serve as a reminder of a war we must never forget in order to never repeat.

You can listen to the full version of Fourteen August on RUSC from the 14th August and leading up to the occasion I have added some wonderful Big Band shows which were very much the music of the war period.

Happy listening my friends,