December 7th, 1941...Truly "a date which will live in infamy..."

Each year that December 7th rolls around it takes me back in time. To a time when America was simpler and was struggling with the ongoing Great Depression. There was a second World War oversees in Europe and little did the U.S. know, but they were in for a big surprise. That big surprise was an attack by Japan on Pearl Harbor in the Hawaii region. Many young men would not be prepared for what was about to strike them. It officially ended a neutral stance that the U.S. would have during the war. The next day President Franklin D. Roosevelt gave his now legendary fireside chat and declared war against the Japanese.

Every since the end of World War II, the men who were there reconvene and reminiscence about that December day. Each day, there are less men as "the greatest generation" is slowly leaving us.

But as with all important landmarks and events, we see memorials being built that will be the foundation for future generations to remember the brave men who lost their lives and fought off an attack on American soil. The USS Arizona Memorial was the hardest hit and sits in the harbor and is visited by millions each year. There is currently construction for a new Pearl Harbor center at the site. The new center along with the current sites allow one to go back to 1941 and almost feel like they are there.

However, on this day and every year on this day; we must remember those who were there. This morning, 2,000 were in attendance as a moment of silence was held at 7:55am to remember the 2,390 lives loss that morning. America has prided ourselves on our defense and on that morning we were attacked on our soil. Something that has rarely happened. The events that transpired after showed the strength of a nation to rally and fight against oppressors and those who attacked us. It is one of the few days that America was truly one. So, to not make this about anything else; I will leave at this. If you know someone who was there. Remember them and thank them. If you know a veteran, thank them. December 7th will truly live in American history infamy.