07 December 2010

A Day That Will Live In Infamy

69 years ago today, the Japanese fleet attacked Pearl Harbor and thrust the United States into full-scale war. More than 2,400 Americans were killed on this day as Japanese planes dropped bombs and torpedoes into Pearl Harbor, destroying the Pacific Fleet Battleships. As a Navy Veteran, this date is sacred to me; it's sacred to every sailor I have ever known.



The destruction wrought by the Japanese Navy was unprecedented. It also showed the world the superiority of air power over battleships.



As horrific as the attack on Pearl Harbor was, the US Navy carrier fleet, thankfully, was underway that morning and subsequently was not attacked. This little gem of fortune helped the US to quickly counter and eventually prevail over the Japanese.



So do me and every one of the more than 2,400 Americans killed on this day long ago a favor, include them in your prayers tonight. I don't care what your politics are, nor do I care what your religion is, we, as the United States of America, owe those men, all of their brothers-in-arms that fought, and every other servicemember past and present, a debt that can never be fully repaid.



Remember and honor these gallant men; say thank-you to a veteran and shake their hand. Visit any of the National Cemetaries across this country and pay tribute to the brave souls who gave everything they had in service to us. We must always remember this day and what it means, or else we will be doomed.



Take care of yourselves and each other...and never forget...ever.