Why do I have the feeling of being a soldier or marine at Dunkir

Sea Isle City - Why do I have the feeling of being a soldier or marine at Dunkirk, Bataan or Wake Island shortly after my nation has suffered a strategic defeat? Or, maybe at Singapore after my leadership has surrendered us to a force far less than our size? It is the time that tries a citizen's soul. And, yet, firms one's resolve to resist and prevail.