"Yesterday, December 7th, 1941 -- a date which will live in infamy -- the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan."
~ President F. Roosevelt
Well, yesterday was the 71st anniversary of that infamous day, but who noticed? Who thought about it? Oh, there were radio programs about it, sure. I listened to a few of them. I noticed a few trends among the different shows my dad and I scanned through as we traveled...the hosts had some very good stories - several of them knew veterans that were there that day. But the callers? They used the opportunity to turn the conversation to politics. How sad is that? After the attack, this country set December 7th aside as a day to remember the incredible sacrifice of the men and women at Pearl Harbor; the many that died, and those that physically escaped, but were forced to relive that nightmare in their minds every time they close their eyes. But how many of us really think about that on the 7th? Or do we let ourselves get swept up into the politics of everything?
Do those in charge of the military always make the right calls? No. Are all their decisions made with the best interest of all those involved? No. I realize that. But really? Is that what Pearl Harbor Day is about? I think not.
At the end is a poem I wrote after the Chinook helicopter was shot down in August of last year. It puts a little bit of a personal twist on a tragedy like this...except that 71 years ago, over 2,400 Americans lost their lives, and another 1,300 were injured in some way.
So as we're enjoying this holiday season, lets remember those that gave their lives in the past, and that are still laying everything down for us, so that we can celebrate the birth of Christ in freedom here in America. There are many men and women that will celebrate Christmas around a small artificial tree, in the middle of the desert, to the sound of gunfire. Let's keep them in our prayers, and when you see a veteran - young or old - take a moment and say thank you!
Thirty LivesThirty livesLost just like thatNo time for goodbyesNo ‘one last kiss’Just a knock on the doorSo early one morning“We’re so sorry,He’s not coming home.”Next the reporters“Tell us about him!”What is there to say?He was my life; my everythingWhat is left now,But lonely cries“Where is daddy?When is he coming home?”Daddy didn’t make it,But baby, hold on.We’ll come out on top,He would want it that wayThrough the tears, nowWe fight our own warWe battle to get up,To live another dayMy comfort is this:He knew it was dangerousBut they were his menHe needed to be with themSo, my love of my lifeI will see you on the other sideWhere the only tearsAre tears of joy
