Eighty years ago yesterday, December 7, 1941, American forces stationed at Pearl Harbor were attacked. When the bombardment ended 2008 Naval personnel, 109 Marines , 218 members of the Army and sixty-eight civilians lay dead. 20 Naval vessels were destroyed or damaged including eight battleships, and three hundred aircraft were hit by enemy bombs. It is ironic that this week the United States government suspended efforts to identify the bodies that remain under the now tranquil harbor waters. Amid the tumult and turbulence of modern life, it is easy to allow that day of infamy to become little more than a fading memory. Only roughly one hundred Pearl Harbor survivors are still alive. But, what of those never identified? They were husbands, sons, fathers, brothers, boyfriends, classmates, coworkers, and neighbors. No doubt families have accepted their fate. But we cannot. If we truly believe in peace, the scars of war must never be forgotten. Remembering the scars of war does not glorify war nor condemn nations once our enemy. In remembering we are committing ourselves to work for peace and harmony among all nations and among all peoples. May our remembering speak in unmistakable terms to the men who will never be identified. Though we may never know their names, may their legacy guide us each day to work for peace, and justice.
But let justice roll on like a river,
righteousness like a never-failing stream! Comments are closed.
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October 2022
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