December 7, 1941. “The day that will forever live in infamy,”
according to FDR. The day the United States was pulled into World War II. This
is noted by many people on Facebook with pictures from that terrible day and a
few words about remembering. It is officially named National Pearl Harbor
Remembrance Day, with the American flag being flown at half-staff to honor the 2,403
Americans who died on that day.
December 7, 1941 is an important date in American history.
It should be held as much in American consciousness as Memorial Day and Veteran’s
Day. Like Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day, National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
should be a day to commemorate the reason it exists.
Memorial Day is marked with parades, ceremonies, and
backyard barbecues –because, DUH, it’s Memorial Day. Veteran’s day sales abound on the weekend
before or after the day. Military personnel are given special discounts. It’s
popular to thank a veteran on Veteran’s day. Both are federally recognized
holidays. National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, however, is not a federal
holiday. Services and ceremonies meant to honor those who died are quietly
conducted.
It is time to create a resurgence of interest in December 7th.
Not so we have another holiday to cook or stampede the stores on, but so we can
teach our children the historical significance of this date. It is important
not only to remember those who were killed so terribly, but also to take steps
that will make repeating history less likely. We cannot allow another Adolph
Hitler to maneuver himself into a position of power. We must always fight to
protect those who are in danger from such a person. We must always remember
that attempting to prevent each other from gaining influence is not a good
reason for death and destruction.
