December 7, 1941

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 7^th. 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.