Please take a moment today to remember the anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Sixty-eight years ago today, the attack forced our country into a war that would leave millions dead across the globe before its end.
Few of us today are old enough to remember the surprise attack that caused the deaths of more than 2,000 Americans and the destruction of a significant part of the nation’s Pacific fleet. If you have a few moments, you might take a look at the Web site of the U.S.S. Arizona maintained by the National Park Service and the Web page hosted by the Navy. With photos and personal stories from Pearl Harbor survivors, they vividly capture the drama of that day that still lives in infamy.
Like the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, people of my parents and grandparents generation will never forget that day. But sadly, we are rapidly losing Pearl Harbor survivors, World War II veterans and other members of the greatest generation. If you have a family member who lived through that era, see if they’re willing to share their stories of that time so you can pass on their memories to your children.
After Pearl Harbor, it took four long years and costly battles on foreign lands and faraway seas, but our nation and its allies succeeded in defeating tyranny and creating a world that is more free today. We must remember Pearl Harbor and World War II if we want to understand the world we live in today.
God bless America’s veterans, and all the men and women who serve in uniform today.
Mike
