Remembering Pearl Harbor


It has been 68 years since Pearl Harbor was attacked early on a Sunday morning, sending the US into a war that took thousands of lives and launched a new world. The war had been going on in Europe for some time, and the US had been at odds with Japan for sometime. Most of those who survived that day have passed away, and those still living are in their upper 80s and 90s. They will soon pass away themselves, and we will be left with their stories, to be told by others.

As we continue to participate in wars around the world, images like this are important to keep in mind. It's appropriate to ponder the sacrifices made and consider why. Those who died that day, on both sides, didn't make the decision to participate in the war. Others made the decision, and they participated because they believed that what they were doing was the right thing. There have been, and always should be, dissenters to any such course of action.

The above picture is of the memorial wall at the Arizona Memorial in Honolulu. I took this picture in 2002, on my second visit to the memorial. Later in the day, after we went to the memorial, which has a very eerie feeling to it. You feel, or at least I did, that something epic happened here. You sense the presence of those who died, most of whom were young men, caught off guard, but something they probably didn't expect to happen. Even if rumors of wars are present, who would think that a base so far out into the ocean could be vulnerable -- and yet it was.

Later, after we were at this memorial, we took a tour of the USS Missouri, the battleship, upon which the surrender of Japan was signed. The spot is marked on the ship. Beginning and end, of one conflict, but not the end of conflicts -- for they continue on.

May we pray for peace among all people this day, as we remember those who died that day -- December 7, 1941.

Comments

Anonymous said…
War has changed-

http://cyberspiritcafe.blogspot.com/2009/12/price-of-war-price-of-peace.html

David Mc
Anonymous said…
http://rootzoo.com/videos/view/NBA-Basketball/Marvin-Gaye-Sings-National-Anthem-at-1983-NBA-All-Star-Game/3738

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