Pearl Harbor

USS Arizona Memorial, Pearl Harbor



I don't want to let this day pass without saying a few words about Pearl Harbor. Sixty-six years ago on this date, Pearl Harbor was attacked by the Empire of Japan, launching our nation into World War 2.

If you have never visited Pearl Harbor, then you should put it on your itinerary when you go to Hawaii to visit the USS Arizona Memorial. I have made two visits to Pearl Harbor. On the first occasion, I took a launch out to the site, but the Arizona Memorial was closed. A few years ago, I was able to visit the Arizona. It was an overcast day, which was unfortunate because it limited the view of the outline of the hull only a few feet below the surface. One thing that is really striking is that every few seconds, drops of oil come to the surface-still leaking after all these years.

I also learned that over the years, several survivors of the Arizona who pass on have had their cremated remains interred below the decks, thus joining their long-lost comrades.

We should never forget December 7, 1941, not because we harbor ill will toward the Japanese people. Generations have passed, and Japan is a democratic friend of the US. We should never forget because if we are not vigilant, it can happen again, as it already did on September 11, 2001.