64 years ago, on this day, combined forces of the Japanese Army, Navy, and Air
Forces ruthlessly attacked our Naval base at Pearl Harbor, in the Hawaiian Islands. For a more complete history, read Pero's outstanding account here.I think it's interesting to note the similarities to the attacks on the WTC and the Pentagon on September 11, 2001. The attack initially came from the air, and was aimed at symbols of American power in the world. Including the missing, we lost about the same number of Americans in both attacks.
And in 1941, as in 2001, the entire country was outraged, giving way, in a matter of a few short months, to dissent from opponents of war.
There were the isolationists who objected to getting involved in the initial preparation for war, and then, after we entered, they were the first to complain that Roosevelt hadn't properly prepared us against possible attacks against America.
It has been said by many, Americans have a short memory, and that is the primary reason that we were caught unaware, both at Pearl Harbor and on 9/11. It is also a partial reason why there is so much dissent, anti-Americanism, and lack of support for our troops in Iraq today.
The more things change, the more they remain the same.
"Remember Pearl Harbor" became a rallying cry in 1941, and it sustained us as a people thoughout the rest of the conflict with Japan, and went a long way toward our eventual defeat of Japan in 1945.
In the same way, we need to make "Remember 9/11" a rallying cry to further strengthen our resolve to defeat the current threat to America, freedom, and democracy worldwide.
We can defeat this enemy, but we have to unite to do so. Nevermind why we are in this fight. The fact is, we are in it, and, as Benjamin Franklin said, "We must all hang together, or most assuredly, we will all hang separately."
Our future, and our status as the greatest country on the face of this earth, is at stake.
9 comments:
I agree, Mark. What we need to do is win, not replay tired arguments over why we're there.
Mark, I think this is your best post ever!!! Congratulations. It's a beautiful job. I thank you for blogging this.
Well said.
This was a very good post, Mark.
When americans pull together, there is nothing we cannot accomplish.
When we pull against each other, We cannot accomplish anything else.
God bless the families of all who died at Pearl Harbor, and on 9/11.
May America never forget their sacrifice, and may we all work together to ensure that they did not die in vain.
Never forget.
Behind What?
That political cartoon is a really nice touch. Good job!
Okay, I read your other posts you left links to at one of my blogs and I have to admit, you have done better! :) But this one ranks pretty close.
Thanks, but it t'warn't nuttin'
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