Never Forget – Pearl Harbor and the American Spirit

When I think of today, I think back on the most defining moment in our nation’s history that I have personally witnessed, September 11, 2001. I wonder what it must have been like for my grandparents on this day 72 years ago. I remember vividly where I was when the Twin Towers fell. My grandparents’ generation has certainly experienced several such moments of tragedy in American history.

On December 7th, 1941 we responded as a nation after the brutal, inhumane attacks on Pearl Harbor. We went to war and established ourselves as a world power. As a people, we became unified on every front, from the front lines on land and sea to day-to-day work and in the home. The dedication to freedom and justice for all did not waver for this generation. The sacrifice and gumption of people like my grandfather and so many others defined the American spirit in the modern era.

Today, the phrase “Never Forget” is one I will see on graphics shared throughout social media, the same powerful words said and written on the anniversary of 9/11. To me, it is important to remember that safety and security are precious. Regardless of where we stand in time, there have been those who wish to harm us and destroy the fabric of our culture. Those people exist right now, today. They will exist tomorrow.

“Never Forget” stands for something else too. Perhaps even more importantly than recalling the violence of American tragedies, let us not forget the enduring spirit of what it means to be American…

• To have pride in and respect for our incredible Constitution created by our brilliant and insightful forefathers.
• To celebrate true toughness in the pursuit of fairness, excellence and, most of all, freedom.
• To inspire others to take up the torch to spread ideals and values while striving for equality and peace.

I found an impressive compilation of images of the “Greatest Generation” on Pinterest and its creator reached out to me on a photo I shared of the USS Hilarity. Come to find out our grandfathers had served together on the Hilarity and knew each other. I get teary thinking about it.

To those of this era who are still with us and those who have passed, thank you so very much. I will never forget.