When I was 18, I spoke at a Key Club event on Honolulu. I remained on the island for a few more days, doing a variety of tourist activities. On one of the days, we ventured to Pearl Harbor and out to the Arizona Memorial.
I remember it being a beautiful day. I remember really enjoying life. I remember thinking about how lucky I was to even be in Hawaii.
And I remember seeing the ship.
This huge ship.
It was so large and it rested, entombed by the water beneath me.
The oil bubbled up every few moments, decades after that fateful day.
It’s the most vivid example of war I’ve ever experienced firsthand.
I was 18, standing above the final resting place of many men and women my own age. Men and women who went to bed one night, and were awoken to a changed world.
Seventy years have passed since that fateful morning. Many of the survivors have now joined their shipmates.
Today, I’d like to honor their service and leadership.
Today, I’d like to continue to strive to create a world worthy of their sacrifice.
CHARITY SPOTLIGHT
As I mentioned in my Advent Conspiracy post, I want to spend December highlighting several charities. Today, I’d like to honor the Veterans of WWII, by supporting our veterans today. The Yellow Ribbon Fund is a great organization that helps our Veterans and their families as they return to civilian life. This can take the form of car rentals for family members visiting them, or sporting event tickets to celebrate life again.