A Somber Navy Day

A typical day for me, when I was in the Navy, began with a greeting from one or more of the Corpsmen with whom I was privileged to work. It always took some form of the following:

“How ya doin,’ LT (pronounced “elltee”)?

“I’m great. It’s another fine Navy day!”

There was usually more, but you get the idea.

Today, is most assuredly not just another “fine Navy day,” but rather a very somber and solemn one. Today is the 75th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.

This picture of the USS Arizona after she was hit always affects me.

December 7, 1941, the “date which will live in infamy” still has living survivors. While I do not know how many will be able to make the trip to Pearl Harbor, I do know that those with whom I have spoken in the past remember that day vividly. So many of those continued to serve throughout the war, many making the ultimate sacrifice somewhere else. To all who served, regardless of your branch, many Americans who were not alive then thank you for your service, your resolve and your sacrifice.

Many of us who followed in your footsteps thank you for your example of selfless service in a cause greater than self. May God grant you a time when your sleep is restful, your dreams peaceful and the memory of war long forgotten.