Today We Remember. Today We Honor. Today We Promise to Never Forget. 

In has been 74 years since the attack on Pearl Harbor. 74 years since over 2,000 service members gave the ultimate sacrifice, and over 1,000 more were injured.**

“December 7th, 1941 — a date which will live in infamy — the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked…” -Franklin D. Roosevelt 

Roosevelt said that it was a day that would “live in infamy.” Hearing these words during a Pearl Harbor documentary made me realize that horrific tragedies often “live in infamy.” You can ask anyone where they were when a horrific tragedy struck, and I bet they call tell you where they were, what they were doing, and what happened next. 

I called my grandfather, and asked him. “Do you remember the attack on Pearl Harbor?” His response, “How old do you think I am lady.” Even though he was only five he remembers hearing a really popular radio personality (H.V. Kaltenborn) report on what was happening in Pearl Harbor. He remembered sitting around and listening. 

After talking with my grandfather, we gave my husband’s grandmother a call. When I asked if she remembered December 7th, 1941, her response was “absolutely.” She was only seven, but remembered the happenings of that day quite well. She told us the story of how her and her family were picnicking at a military post known as Castle Island. She told us how back then you didn’t need a military ID to visit Castle Island, and that it was a popular picnic location for families. 

She remembers being with her family picnicking on December 7th, 1941 when a solider came over to them and informed them they had to pack up and leave right away. When they questioned why, they weren’t given an explanation. Just the order to pack up and leave. She remembers seeing the solider walking up to the next family and giving them the same order. As they were driving away, she remembers her daddy turning on the radio and the news was on, telling all about the bombing of Pearl Harbor. 

She remembers the days after, being required to have black out curtains up from that day on, having to keep all the curtains closed at night so no light could be seen from the outside. Also having to turn off all lights before opening the door at night. These were just some of the precautions that were made to help keep costal towns safe from possible air raids. 

Talking with our grandparents I realized just how much knowledge they have to share with us, and all we have to do is ask. 

The best way to remember and honor days like Pearl Harbor is to learn about them, and there is no better way to learn than listening to our elders. So if you are lucky enough to have a grandparent or great grandparent that remembers December 7th, 1941 like it was yesterday, give them a call and ask them to tell you about it. You just may learn something amazing about your family and/or about that time.  

Time for learning from those that remember Pearl Harbor, or were at Pearl Harbor are dwindling, don’t miss out just because you never asked. 

**For more information on the history of Pearl Harbor I recommend checking out History.com’s Pearl Harbor information.