Re: December 7, 1941
Thanks, Relentless.<br /><br />I remember the day. I was only 6 at the time but I was a precocious 6. I was the only one among my siblings who knew where Pearl Harbor is. I was very upset. I think Pearl Harbor defined who I would grow up to be, more than most of my generation.<br /><br />I hold no rancor toward the Japanese. I have studied the events and conditions that led up to war with Japan and understand why it happened. I also understand that it was not intended to be the bushwhack that it seemed. They tried to let us know that war was their intent, but a screw-up in their embassy delayed the notification until after the attack.<br /><br />My feelings about the attack are no longer colored by anger, only grief and, oddly, pride. <br /><br />I visited Pearl Harbor in 1954, before the memorial was built and stood on a flimsy platform over the Arizona. A flag flew there even then.<br /><br />Years later I was presented a flag that had flown, briefly, over her and it is one of my most treasured mementos of my time as a warrior.<br /><br />Pearl Harbor made us who we are as a nation, as much as Valley Forge or Gettysburg. If we forget, we are in danger of becoming a poorer nation in our heritage.<br /><br />Please forgive the long post. I needed to say it.
