Not that anyone has forgotten, today is the 64th anniversay of the attack at Pearl Harbor.
Allan
And, let’s also not forget who flew those airplanes into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.
Thank you, Vets!!!
Ken
“The memory of a fisherman is more like fiction than journalism, that is, it doesn’t ignore the facts, but it is not entirely bound by them, either.”
John Gierach
Thank you, vets… thank you to everyone who has lost their life in a war for what you contributed to this world… civilians, soldiers, all of you. You’re all missed. Some days I ache with thinking of all the civilians who have lost lives during wars throughout human history.
I had one of the most touching moments of my life at Pearl Harbor. I was living on Oahu and was taking some visitors to the Memorial in 1995. We were on the launch out to the Arizona and the people in the seats beside me were a young Japanese couple. As the sailor speaking into the microphone continued to describe the losses and the experiences of that historic day, the couple began crying. They were the only Japanese among a lot of folks who looked like they were all American. Eventually, through sobs, the man turned to me and said, “I’m so sorry. I’m so ashamed for what we did here. I’m so sorry.” It was all I could do to reach out to shake his hand through my own tears. By then we weren’t the only ones crying. It was a solemn and moving day and I admire that couple’s courage for coming to that memorial.
Diane, I to visited the memorial about three years ago and it was very touching. Having family members that served in WWII, Vietnam, and the Gulf Wars it is always very special to remember the sacrifices and shed blood our military has spilled on many foriegn soil to keep our country safe and to free other. Most of the time a “thanks” is soon forgotten by many and not even recognized by others, but we keep on doing what is right no matter what the cost.
I am glad to hear your story about the Japanese couple as when I was there the majority of tourist came from Japan. I could not help thinking, if it wasn’t for your ancestors we would have no memorial to visit!
Last, I am not sure if the U.S. could ever engage in such an endeavor for that amount of time in this day and age. The sacrifices that would have to be borne by our citizens would be far too great. Between the media, Hollywood, and politician minority it would be like fighting with one hand tied behind your back and a broken leg. Some would rather surrender than fight for any reason.
God Bless the U.S.A. and all of our vets. and active servicemen and women.
And yesterday was the 88th ann. of the explosion in Halifax harbour where the Mont-Blanc, a munitions ship collided with another ship (the IMO I believe).
Worse, the explosion happened about 20 minutes after the collision, so many folks went TO the harbour to have a look.
The resulting explosion killed over 1,500.
Lest we forget …
Christopher Chin, Jonquiere Quebec
[url=http://pages.videotron.com/fcch/:13076]Fishing the Ste-Marguerite[/url:13076]
It is through shed blood and sacrifice that we can enjoy the freedom and hope that we do. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.
Wow, pretty touching story Diane. (and you LIVED on Oahu? Jealousy here:-)))
Allan…thanks for the reminder.
Jeremy.
[This message has been edited by Jeremy (edited 07 December 2005).]
Thanks Allan;
While it is not a day I will ever forget, (granddad was there and lost a lot of his sailors, a prayer for all that are or were in harms way is never a bad thing.
It would be so nice if one day we could look from one side of this earth to the other and not see or hear violence. I know wishful thinking.
Blessing on you all…
Harold
Quoting Winston Churchill:
“Never, never forget!”
LadyFisher, Publisher of
FAOL
The bullet holes are still there in Scofield Barracks. The shattered hull of the U.S.S. Arizona still weeps. We would be wise to head the words of Admiral Yamamoto,“There is never a last word for diplomacy” and “I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with a terrible resolve”. To all who have fought, and still fight, the good fight against evil, I salute you. God bless all those that have made the ultimate sacrifice.
Great post, Allan.
Eric “nighthawk”
American veteran and proud of it!
America is the land of the free, because of the brave…