By: MILTON J. LONG
Certainly no single day in the 20th century changed more American lives than December 7, 1941. On that S morning the Japs attacked Pearl Harbor.
The American losses were staggering. We lost 150 planes and 18 ships including the USS Arizona, the pride of the fleet. The docks and airfields were so badly damaged that it would take months to repair them.
December 7th 1941 was the beginning of a war where millions of Americans would serve in uniform and millions more would serve on the home front to provide the needs of war. Nearly a half million Americans gave their lives to do nothing more then save the world.
With the passage of time and with new wars to be fought, WWII becomes more distant, the media finds it has less favor than current events. But just this once, for the sake of those that gave their lives for a cause that was noble and true, lets remember Pearl Harbor and the day that changed the world.
As veterans we only ask that Americans be vigilant, for as 9/11 has taught us, there are those that would take our freedom away. Yes we have heard all the speeches, we know what we accomplished and the price that was paid. No block of marble or monument can ever equal the sacrifices and achievements that our veterans past and present have made. They were Americans and they served with honor and dedication.
Yes, our vow of vigilance and our commitment to courage holds the key to the future of this country, when each of us has done this and only then, can we hold our chin high and confidently stride into tomorrow.
God bless our veterans, our troops, and America.
Ltc. Milton J. Long, AUS (RET)
Duffer
I'll always remember that date. I lost my teenage years and went straight to manhood on that date
Duffer
Bernie
In June of 1941, I was sent on "detached service" to another group. We took part in the (in) famous maneuvers down South from June until Dec. 1941. I returned to my organization on Sat., June 6, 1941. The 1st Sgt. greeted us and said we could have a furlough for Christmas or New Years. Naturally, we picked Christmas. Sunday morning, Dec. 7, 1941, we went to church at the Base Chapel. Inasmuch as we would be going home in a few days, we decided not to leave the Base, but get everything in order from our "Summer" trip. We had four months pay coming. We were in the barracks, just "gabbing", etc., when the radio brought us the terrible news. It was about 3:00 PM, if I can recall correctly. Japs had bombed Pearl Harbor, many casualties and many ships and planes had been destroyed..All leaves were canceled and the Base really became an armed camp. The "Day of Infamy" was a day that changed our lives forever. The following years were ones of sadness, loneliness, separation from loved ones, fear and death. Little did I realize at the time that the next Christmas I would see home would be December 1945, if I ever made it home. God and my Guardian Angel was with me all the way. To those that did not come home, I am sure they are resting comfortably with God.
Bernie
U S Legacies Magazine December 2004
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