Your Turn: The Spanish flu pandemic of 1918, from New London to Norwich
A Navy truck filled with sailors and enlisted women rides down State Street on Nov. 11, 1918, soon after the armistice ending World War I was signed. The celebration occurred as the region was experiencing a pandemic that became known as the Spanish Flu. (photo courtesy of the Public Library of New London)
Published January 28. 2021 12:01AM
Vivian F. Zoe, Special to The Times
Editor’s Note: This is part one of a two-part series.
The Spanish Influenza pandemic in Connecticut is said to have started in New London on Sept. 1, 1918, when the active port debarked passengers and, a few days later, sailors from the U.S. Naval Base returned to port ill.
By Hullihen Williams Moore
Our country often is referred to as a shining city on the hill; we are the nation that purports to honor, support and defend the dignity and value of all people. A reasonable goal in this regard for our own country is:
Every person in America, whatever his or her race, means or station in life, shall have a safe environment with adequate shelter, food, medical care, education and opportunity so that each person can realize his or her full potential.
There are many aspects of this broad goal. Racial equality is a critical part of all equality. Inequality results not just from private citizens, but the actions of governments as well. Since the founding of America, government created, enforced and sanctioned racial inequality that has impacted virtually every aspect of life.