Dispatches from Home – Lest We Forget!

Lest we forget!

84 years ago, it was a bright, sunny Sunday morning. Sailors in the big ships all over Pearl Harbor were getting ready for the day. Some saluted, as they raised Old Glory, its red, white, and blue colors flapping in the morning breeze. Some were eating a tasty breakfast. Some were shaving. Some were showering, the warm water and sudsy soap refreshing. And some were on deck. However, most were below deck, unaware of the tragedy about to unfold.

Suddenly, our sailors were attacked, and, in less than 12 minutes, their lives were irrevocably changed. Many sacrificed their safety to save others, showing unwavering bravery. Those below decks were quickly drowned, gasping for breath in the blackened hulls of the many ships bombed that day. Those on the slanting decks did their duty, trying to extinguish the flames that engulfed the vessel. The sunny Sunday morning quickly turned into hell on earth.

As darkness fell and the nation mourned, we are reminded to honor those who sacrificed their lives and to cherish the freedoms they fought to protect.