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Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.
On this day 66 years ago, around 8am local time, or 1pm Eastern time, Pearl Harbor was attacked by the Japanese Empire, ushering the US into the second World War. It was a ruthless, and brilliant attack, tactically sound but with astounding repercussions. Perspective is very important, and I liked that the video watched before visiting the USS Arizona Memorial tried to give both perspectives, US and Japanese.
The USS Arizona Memorial was built in place above the wreck of that battleship. They say that the memorial sags in the middle to show our initial shock and defeat, but ultimately rises on each end showing Americans resolve and ultimate triumph. The attack on Pearl Harbor did indeed serve as a rallying point for the US. New battleships were built, more troops were enlisted, a bitter resolve fueled all Americans toward victory over the then Axis of Evil. My grandfather was not able to enlist, so he served in the way he could, by helping to build new battleships up in the Great Lakes. It is rather astonishing to think of the effect that Pearl Harbor had on America and Americans then, that even 9/11/01 hasn't had on Americans now. Is it the difference between the seen and unseen enemy? There was a war already afoot for us to join instead of starting one. But I'm getting way off topic...
While many cemeteries have headstones for each of the fallen, the USS Arizona Memorial has a single but towering marble listing of those over one thousand Navy seamen and Marines who remain entombed in the USS Arizona. She leaks oil still, as if crying for those trapped within.
There are many unknowns from many conflicts. The great Tomb of the Unknown in Arlington, Punchbowl Cemetery has an entire large section of unknowns from the Korea War, and unknowns from Pearl Harbor surround Ernie Pyle's headstone, and are also sprinkled about the crater, all over the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.
Please take a short moment today to honor the many, known and unknown, who have given the ultimate sacrifice that we may all live as we do now. Remember the sudden attack and America's ultimate response. Remember that no peace is permanent without vigilance, and thank the vigilant.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
And now for a minor whine...
Yesterday I took a sick day and stayed in bed practically all day. I was awake from 10-11am checking email and sending in a sick notice, but I was in bed. I got out of bed to make myself some lunch around 3pm, but ate it in bed, and napped more until about 7:30pm. And I think I could still use a nap. I wish this sickness would cease.
On this day 66 years ago, around 8am local time, or 1pm Eastern time, Pearl Harbor was attacked by the Japanese Empire, ushering the US into the second World War. It was a ruthless, and brilliant attack, tactically sound but with astounding repercussions. Perspective is very important, and I liked that the video watched before visiting the USS Arizona Memorial tried to give both perspectives, US and Japanese.
The USS Arizona Memorial was built in place above the wreck of that battleship. They say that the memorial sags in the middle to show our initial shock and defeat, but ultimately rises on each end showing Americans resolve and ultimate triumph. The attack on Pearl Harbor did indeed serve as a rallying point for the US. New battleships were built, more troops were enlisted, a bitter resolve fueled all Americans toward victory over the then Axis of Evil. My grandfather was not able to enlist, so he served in the way he could, by helping to build new battleships up in the Great Lakes. It is rather astonishing to think of the effect that Pearl Harbor had on America and Americans then, that even 9/11/01 hasn't had on Americans now. Is it the difference between the seen and unseen enemy? There was a war already afoot for us to join instead of starting one. But I'm getting way off topic...
While many cemeteries have headstones for each of the fallen, the USS Arizona Memorial has a single but towering marble listing of those over one thousand Navy seamen and Marines who remain entombed in the USS Arizona. She leaks oil still, as if crying for those trapped within.
There are many unknowns from many conflicts. The great Tomb of the Unknown in Arlington, Punchbowl Cemetery has an entire large section of unknowns from the Korea War, and unknowns from Pearl Harbor surround Ernie Pyle's headstone, and are also sprinkled about the crater, all over the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.
Please take a short moment today to honor the many, known and unknown, who have given the ultimate sacrifice that we may all live as we do now. Remember the sudden attack and America's ultimate response. Remember that no peace is permanent without vigilance, and thank the vigilant.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
And now for a minor whine...
Yesterday I took a sick day and stayed in bed practically all day. I was awake from 10-11am checking email and sending in a sick notice, but I was in bed. I got out of bed to make myself some lunch around 3pm, but ate it in bed, and napped more until about 7:30pm. And I think I could still use a nap. I wish this sickness would cease.
Mood: 
contemplative
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