Sunday, December 7, 1941. Shortly before 8am.

The rumblings of a second world war were the much-discussed topic for the citizens of the United States. They had been watching the activities over in Europe, some with fear, some with anticipation. Some probably believed it would never affect them. It all seemed so far away, unable to really touch them personally.

However, on December 7th everything would change.

The men stationed on US ships in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii were awakened suddenly by alarms, bombs, and gunfire. In a matter of moments, confusion reigned as they hurriedly tried to find their posts and do what they could to save the ships and save each other. It almost seemed unreal. However, it was real and this was not a drill. In the end, 2402 men and women lost their lives that day and 1282 more were wounded.

The ones who survived now faced a new challenge – the United States entered the war to fight against the Axis powers. This was only the beginning of four long years of fighting, during which many more lives would be lost. However, while they may have been surprised with the attack on Pearl Harbor, in the end they were able to emerge victoriously.

This post is in remembrance of all those men and women who lost their lives on that day 69 years ago. As time marches on and these events fall into history books, I will remember.