December 7, 1941 was a day that changed history.

The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor marked the US’ entry into World War II.  “It is a day that will love on in infamy”, President Roosevelt.

We learn about it in school, we see movies,  documentaries, annual tributes. We are touched,  we respect, we want to know more. We empathize and sympathize, but we weren’t there,  we don’t really know, but we want to know.

In 2008 I earned a trip to Hawaii and one of the things I got to do was visit Pearl Harbor and it was something I never will forget.

The first thing you do is sit for a video giving you a history, setting the tone. Then instructions,  silence when you’re in the hall. 

It’s truly an experience like no other, you can feel it in the air, you feel it in your heart. You are transported, it’s surreal and awe inspiring.

You look out and still see the oil on the water, look further and see life, the fish are swimming, giving hope. I was awestruck.

When I was back in the center, I had the honor of shaking the hands of a few men who had there, fought and they are still with us.

We need to remember those who fought, those who gave their lives and those still with us, to teach us and help us to remember.

December 7th, a day that will live on in infamy.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pearl_Harbor_attack