Veterans' Day

My father commanded a submarine net tender at Pearl Harbor. He was on duty on Dec7th 1941 when 177 Japanese  aircraft came from all directions so that the defenders had no idea which direction to fire. Wave after wave of Japanese planes arrived, targeting airstrips, ships, buildings and storage areas.  2403 people died in the surprise kamikaze attack, and four battleships from the US Pacific fleet were sunk. One of these battleships, the USS Arizona has been turned into a Memorial to all those who died during the deadly hour and 15 minutes the attack lasted.

My mother was there as well, having gone to pick Dad up when he came off duty. she sheltered under a steam shovel during the attack and went to volunteer at the nearest Civil Defence office as soon as it was safe for her to leave. She was not reunited with my father until several days later. 

It was always my mother's story to tell because my father never spoke of it. I now have many questions, but there is nobody left to answer them.

I have told this story before and will probably tell it again.  It is only one of many which graphically illustrate the terrors of war. I don't think wars are ever 'won'. The First World War was heralded as 'the war to end all wars'. The armistice lasted for fewer than 25 years. But the stories, the bravery 
and the memory of all who fought to defend our freedom will never be forgotten. We must honor their memory by not squandering what they fought and died for....