December 7, 1941 - My grandfather was a teenager working in the fields of small farm in rural Arkansas, making plans to move to California to find a better job and more opportunities. He had no idea that the events of that morning would place him on a troop ship headed to Europe in the next few years. As so many Americans, he was unable to grasp the tribulations that they would soon face and overcome.
I have read books in which Pearl Harbor was described as an awakening for the American people. The sleeping giant could no longer stay out of the war, it could not avoid becoming embroiled in the world's affairs. The date stands as a monument in time honoring all those who would ultimately become ensnared by its events and who conquered their adversaries. It stands as an example of how great this country can be and how high it can rise when its citizens stand up together.
Two things caught my eye while reflecting upon the historical importance of this day. First, the survivors of the Pearl Harbor attacks are having their last scheduled Memorial Ceremony today.
“This is our time to pay our respects to our fallen shipmates. This will probably be the last time,” said Herriford, 84, of Van Nuys, who was assigned to the light cruiser Detroit when the Japanese pounced that Sunday morning.
In 1991, the association had 18,000 members. Today there are barely 5,000. Some of the groups chapters have closed due to lack of members.
The sense of finality seems to have struck a chord among the veterans."
Campo's John W. Finn, 97, is among the oldest survivors at today's event and is the country's oldest living Medal of Honor recipient. “This is going to be the last hurrah, and I certainly should be among those guys who are not around for the next reunion in Hawaii,” said Finn, who went through boot camp in Point Loma in 1926. “(The reunions) have gotten more intense as the years have gone by.” Pearl Harbor Vets Gather for What May Be Last "Hurrah"
The other reflective bookend of the day is the Iraq Commission Report. The front page of the New York Post sums up my feelings on the report.
Comments