Pearl Harbor Day remembered - December 7, 1941

[Veteran Advisor]

We all remember what we were doing on September 11, 2001, the day America suffered mass casualties at the hands of a foreign enemy. But 67 years ago today, a Japanese strike force attacked the U.S. naval base in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, marking the first time a sovereign foreign enemy successfully hit the United States of America. On that day, over 2,402 Americans died and 1,282 wounded.

To all the veterans who were there that day as well as those who fought under the American flag in World War II, your service and sacrifice will always be remembered.

As of September 30, 2006, over 3.2 million WWII veterans were still living, according to VA estimates. However, these numbers dramatically decrease annually. If presented the opportunity, please let these brave men and women know that we're proud of them and are eternally grateful.

Gunner

[SCI-Nurse]

Thanks for the reminders.

My father, who just died in October, was a WWII veteran. He actually enlisted right out of high school in June 1941, and was on leave from his base on December 7. He and his friends drove across Hoover Dam with an armed escort when they were going back to base...only military in uniform were allowed to cross the dam as there was concern for saboteers. He served until December 1945 and gained the rank of staff sgt (Army Air Corps). The GI Bill allowed him to get a college education (the first in his family) and become an electrical engineer. Without that he probably would have returned to cotton farming in northern Mississippi after the war.

(KLD)

[quadvet]

Yes, thanks for the post.

[Sue Pendleton]

My Dad's 2 older brothers enlisted right after Pearl Harbor. One died 2 years ago and the other is 87 in an assisted living place in a small town where his daughter or her kids or 1 of the grandkids visit nearly daily. He's lost a foot to diabetes recently. I think he had Diabetes type 1 when he and his brother joined the Navy. He just didn't know it and they were too poor to eat the wrong things. He was on the USS Witchita soon after the nukes as it pulled into Tokyo harbor. For squids those two did a lot of island hopping hand to hand.

Might want to post a sticky on President Bush's free brass plaque for all who served during America's wars to add to grave stones. Those who served during WW2 are included also. Most funeral directors do know about this one.

[skippy13]

One of my sons best buddies and the man he admires most is a guy named Bill R. who is in his eighties. Bill was on the ground when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. Bill was a pilot who flew many missions during the war. He was wounded in action and still walks with a limp to this day.

Bill R. just renewed his pilots license a few years ago when he was 84 years old. He is a really cool guy and has shared many stories with my son but doesnt make a big deal out of it. Bill has lived an exemplary life and is a wonderful example for my son to follow. My son is becoming a commercial pilot because of Bill R's influence and teaching. All boys should have a guy like Bill in their life.

[kenf]

sad , Sure wasn't much in the news about it. Thank for the post for all the brave men and women.