December 7, 2011 (70 years later)
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If I were to ask, “Do you remember September 11, 2001?” you would probably blink in astonishment that the question was even posed. After all, who doesn’t remember 9/11, a day of collective horror shared by most of the nations of the world?
Actually, it’s hard to imagine, but a day will come when 9/11 will be forgotten by most and remembered by only a living few. Survivors of Pearl Harbor understand. Seventy years later, most survivors are now in their 80s or 90s. Because it’s easy to forget, significant events of history need to be showcased at certain times and places. That’s one guarantee that memories live on throughout generations.
What can you do today, December 7, to remember Pearl Harbor?
Remember “the date which will live in infamy.”
That famous phrase, first spoken by President Franklin D. Roosevelt as he addressed the nation on December 8 referred to the bombing of Pearl Harbor the day before, December 7, 1941. Commemorations will be held throughout the world today. Tune in on the Internet. Watch on the evening news. Take a few minutes to read about it. Ask your family and friends to join you in remembering.
Honor survivors of Pearl Harbor
Say “thank you” to someone who endured the war years after the attack on Pearl Harbor. I’ll be looking for the 80+-year-old gentleman that I see most Sundays in church. He served in the Army for many years, always wears a pin-on American flag, and smiles as we exchange military salutes. Life was hard for him, other military personnel and civilians alike. I’ll tell my senior friend that if it were not for the enormity of his sacrifice, the United States would not have become the strong nation with which we have been blessed. Germany and Japan would not have been rebuilt. Nations now live in freedom because of Pearl Harbor survivors.
Highlight the power of God
Read about the “miracle of Dunkirk,” as Winston Churchill called it. Talk to others about how God showed his powerful strength against earth’s mighty forces of evil in the turbulent days of war following Pearl Harbor. God directly intervened so that good conquered and wickedness was defeated. Then the Lord went a step beyond, sending an army of missionaries throughout Europe and the world. The result? Millions of people now experience ultimate peace with God in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Make today personal
Look in the rearview mirror of your life. Relive God’s deliverances from your own personal battles. Clap and laugh over victories from attacks by spiritual forces of evil. Throw a party! Design a ceremony of your own.
I saw a license plate that said, “We will never forget.” May that be true for our nation; may it be true for you.