For Galbraith, ‘Day of Infamy’ hits really close
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Retired history teacher Frank Galbraith delivered his annual “Day of Infamy” presentation Monday, Dec. 6, in Farragut Town Hall. - Michelle Hollenhead
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Among an estimated 50 guests for annual “Day of Infamy” presentation in Farragut Town Hall Monday, Dec. 6, were local historian Malcolm Shell, left, and U.S. Army veteran Dr. Bill Battle. - Michelle Hollenhead
Prominent among his annual “Day of Infamy” presentation in Farragut Town Hall about the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor Dec. 7, 1941, retired Farragut Middle School history teacher Frank Galbraith incorporates the story of his cousin, Joe Smartt.
Galbraith only discovered in recent years Joe also died Dec. 7 — not at Pearl Harbor, but on another part of the Hawaiian island.
“I have been able to stand in for him twice over the years, during ceremonies to honor those men who died,” said the 80-year-old ex-teacher, whose 2021 Town Hall presentation came Monday, Dec. 6.
During Galbraith’s teaching years, Pearl Harbor was a week-long featured part of a two-week WWII study for his seventh-grade students. He has culled the topic down to about an hour presentation, which he estimates he has been sharing in Town Hall for the last 15 to 16 years.
“I want people to know what this country went through, and how it united together to fight a common enemy,” the lifelong Concord resident said.
“Sharing this is just a joy to me,” Galbraith added. “I love it and I love to get the information out there.”
He uses U.S. and Japanese flags, prop planes, old newspapers and slides to fully detail the state of the world as Germany’s Adolph Hitler and Japan rose to power in the years leading up to the Pearl Harbor bombing, which killed more than 2,400 Americans and launched the United States into World War II.
Moreover, Galbraith dresses in uniform — as a member of the former Confederate Air Force, now renamed the Commemorative Air Force — and honors all veterans who attend his presentations.
About two dozen former military members were among about 50 guests who attended the Dec. 6 presentation, where officials also provided a reception and tours of the museum prior to the program.
“We are here today because of people like you,” Galbraith said as he thanked the veterans present.
Later, he remarked on how few WWII veterans remain among the living. It was three years ago when WWII veteran Allen Sizemore of Farragut attended the program. He has since passed away.
This year, Galbraith’s wife, Cheryl Galbraith, videotaped the presentation and shared it on her Facebook page.
