December 7, 1941, a day that will live in infamy, says president Franklin Delano Roosevelt during his war declaration speech to congress.  On this day the Japanese navy attacked the US Navy base at Pearl Harbor in the U.S. territory of Hawaii at that time.  It is time to remember those who died on that day and those who sacrificed their lives during WWII.  A good friend of mine was a teenaged boy at Pearl Harbor on that day.  He and his younger sister ducked in their parents' carport during that attack.  He later joined the Merchant Marine and served on a Liberty Ship.  My dad and an uncle served during WWII. 
  Joelene

It is good to remember your nation's past.   A country that doesn't know where it has been doesn't know where it is going.

Nice post, Joelene, thank you. Hugs, Tracey

Excellent post Joelene 

Hugs

- Virginia

Good post Jolene ! My Dad and Mom were in the war, and I lost several great uncles ans great unties. One uncle come home with no legs.

Having seen combat, I can tell you it is not like the movies; my respect to all souls who have served the nation.

Thank You Jolene,

I am a Navy Vet, and it is custom when leaving Pearl Harbor for the ships to pass over the Arizona and give respects. On the street where I grew up was a retired Master Chief Boiler Technician, I went to school with his youngest son. His Dad was on the USS West Virgina that morning, Dec 7, 1941, and was one of the survivors, he dove off the capsizing Battleship and swam across the harbor, swimming underneath  patches of burning oil. His Dad never talked about it, but ever Dec 7th he looked like a Zombie, emotionless, just there.

I also took care of a resident in a Nursing Home that was one of the B-17 pilots flying with Jimmy Doolittle that morning into Pearl Harbor, their planes were unarmed. Never talked about.

Yes we shouldn't forget, 9/11 was another tragedy,  warnings were not heeded.

So let us Honor those dead by remembering their sacrifices, and seek to prevent future ones.



The USA fell asleep, other nations have done the same throughout history, and we have made mistakes again since then.

I honour the brave people who answered the call. Then and now.

My Grandfather lied about his age and served as a boiler stoker in  WWI, he was 15. He was called up in WWII, did the Russian convoy protection run. Then he volunteered for the Malta relief run. Another suicide mission. He was recommended for a  medal for wrestling an unexploded bomb from the deck,  the ship was then sunk by torpedo attack. He survived but was regretful that he had given a promise to one of his mates who couldn't swim that he would stay by him. But when ships blow up - what can you do.

He was one of the most peaceful and loving men I have known.

He was demobbed in Egypt, he had heard that the English were on rations, so he took home two suit cases of soap. His wife and two daughters were eagerly awaiting him and some stuff such as nylons and perfume. He said his homecoming was worse that being blown out of the Mediterranean. He said he never understood woman, but he was willing to lay down his life to protect them.

He was a man. In every sense of the word. A fine man. A good man.   
I loved him

I'm crying.

He never knew Cindy.

But I think he would not understand her. But I know he would love and protect her.

Love you GrandDad. RIP.

And thank you for all the people who have sacrificed themselves so we have the opportunity to whinge on boards about the important things in life.

Valet brave people

Cindy James