Some years struggle for recognition. For example, what was special in the U.S. about 1955 or 1978 or 1994 or any number of other years?
On the other hand, there are those that will never be forgotten. 1929 stands out as the year of the stock market crash and the beginning of the Great Depression. 1941 will always live in infamy because of the bombing of Pearl Harbor that propelled the nation into World War II. 1978 will forever be remembered for the worst blizzard in this part of the country in decades. 2001 with the 9/11 terrorist attack on the twin towers in New York City is also etched in our minds. There are other years that have memorable events to set them apart.
But this year, 2020, may beat them all, and it’s only a little over half over.
COVID 19 struck the nation (and the world) shortly after the year began and has caused untold misery. Hundreds of thousands have been stricken with the virus and many hospitalized. What’s worse is the number of resulting deaths that have been reported. But that’s not all. In an effort to fight the ailment, the nation was shut down and citizens were forced to stay home. The result has been that millions have been put out of work, thousands of businesses have closed and many have lost their life savings.
In addition, schools have been closed and all athletic contests, at the high school, collegiate and professional levels, were cancelled. Graduation ceremonies, proms and other memorable events were either not held or extensively scaled back. Family members couldn’t even visit their seriously ill loved ones in hospitals and nursing homes.
The list is lengthy, and the sad feature is that the coronavirus is still plaguing the nation and world.
If that’s not enough, the tragic death of a black man at the hands of a white policeman triggered racial tension across the country. Riots have occurred in many large cities with tremendous destruction and some deaths. In several cities, the violence has been ongoing daily for more than two months. Law enforcement agencies have been the focus of criticism, and some local and state legislators, politicians and candidates have called for defunding police departments.
What’s more is that 2020 is a presidential election year, and it promises to be the most divisive election ever. President Donald Trump is running for re-election and is being challenged by former Vice President Joe Biden. The mudslinging is already in high gear.
In looking back in history, many years are laid back and seemingly benign. But 2020 will not be included in that category. In fact, it may be the most memorable year ever.