While today is the 70th anniversary of the Japanese attack on the US fleet at Pearl Harbor, it’s not hard for some to look at that day as ancient history and make the argument that by bringing it up every year, it perpetuates long held grudges. And to them I say, “Those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it.” Just consider my generation’s Pearl Harbor; the 9/11 attacks. Once again, America was the victim of a surprise attack that shocked the world. But, just like after Pearl Harbor, when America was attacked on 9/11 her citizens banded together and dealt with her aggressors.
So here is my salute to America’s Greatest Generation and more so to those who served in the military during the inter-war years. That was true dedication. Thank you for showing us the way. May we always follow your example. And, a moment of silence for the 2402 Americans who were lost on that day and the hundreds more who were wounded in service to this great Nation.
President Roosevelt called today, “A date which will live in infamy.” May we never forget it.
I strongly agree with you, on every aspect of this post. My grandfather is a Pearl Harbor survive, although the day was a horrible incident, may we ALWAYS remember what those men and women went through, may we always praise them and give thanks for what the whole WWII generation did for our country. I have always thought of 9/11 as my generations Pearl Harbor, very different of course, but I agree with your stand on things.
Forgive our enemies but never forget our heroes. Always remember.
Well said SSD – as always. Someone remarked to me recently that he wondered why nations have always been out to attack each other and take what the other one has – and he brought up Pearl Harbor (and WWII) as an example of how so many people lost their lives and/or sacrificed so much, and now the Americans and Japanese are great friends and allies (and so too with Germany). Well, in my opinion, that’s exactly why we SHOULD remember and honor these anniversaries – so that their sacrifices were not in vain, and so that their descendants will always honor the realization that freedom is not free.
On this day I also think of a Japanese-American friend of mine – his family were forced out of their home and put into an internment camp for the duration of the war. But nonetheless his father answered the call and voluntarily joined the Army’s 442nd Regimental Combat Team and fought with great distinction for the sake of his adopted country – while his wife remained in the camp.
The Greatest Generation indeed….
”But, just like after Pearl Harbor, when America was attacked on 9/11 her citizens banded together and dealt with her aggressors.”
And killed 85.000+ citizens in Japan, 30.000+ in Afganistan, and 67.000+ in Iraq. (Civilians killed as a result of U.S-led military actions)
God bless America
God bless America is certainly right. Innocent people that did not deserve to die were killed but if not for what had to be done being done, I highly doubt we’d all be sitting where we’re sitting today. GOD BLESS AMERICA<3 land of the free and to those that don't appreciate that, they're given the freedom to get out.
Japan surrendered before the A-bombs where dropped….