Pearl Harbor.
Most people would instantly think of ships sinking among billowing black clouds of chaos, Japanese Zeros dropping air-to-sea torpedoes or the iconic images of the USS Arizona or USS Shaw. Younger generations nowadays, when asked about Pearl Harbor, would probably say, "It was that movie with Ben Affleck chasing nurses and flying old planes". Wrong answer.
I, for one, can hear President Franklin D. Roosevelt's speech churning in the background while trying to fathom being awoken on a Sunday morning to the sounds of over 300 airplanes wreaking havoc on a nearby ship fleet sleeping along side it's proud sailors. On December 7th, 1941, our nation was attacked by a force that, although in negotiation, wanted to neutralize our pacific fleet to prevent any naval interference from the U.S with Japan's eastern conquests. Essentially, what it did was open up a serious can of American worms that the rest of the world would never anticipate. Without question or hesitation, FDR declared war on Japan. Without getting into an even longer history lesson, there's a couple of points that I want to make here:
- It's not just history...it's YOUR history. Although utterly tragic, December 7th, 1941 is easily one of the most historic days of our country's existence. Remember it. Honor it. Teach younger generations about it. They need to know how their country overcame adversity, and how it did so with honor.
- Analyze who you are and what you're truly made of. I know that's kinda deep, but here's why: The WWII generation will always and forever be "The Greatest Generation" in my eyes. The brave men of that era could not wait to serve their country. They lied about their age, forged documents and did everything in their power to enlist into a service. Those, albeit [in a sense], wrong, were the lengths that those men were willing to go through. Does it happen today? Maybe, but I doubt it is ever with a sense of honor and duty that was felt by those back then. Next time you see an old timer with one of those navy blue or black hats with the yellow "WWII Veteran" lettering on the front and pins all over it, follow the footsteps of FDR and, without question or hesitation, extend your hand, speak loudly and render a firm shake to thank a man that has endured the unimaginable to secure the freedoms that most take for granted every day.
In conclusion...
"December 7th, 1941, a date which will live in infamy". - Franklin Delano Roosevelt
Today, listen to his speech, remember that tragic day and take a silent moment to honor those who perished 70 years ago. That day, in part, helped shape this country into what it is today. You simply cannot have the U.S. without Pearl Harbor. I am proud to be an American, serving honorably and humbly in the ghosted footprints of those before me. Thank you to all veterans out there today, wherever you are. And God bless those who encountered suffering and hardships only portrayed in films and written in books...God bless.
With never-ending gratitude,
Brad
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