Do Not Forget

Today is the 67th anniversary of the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor. There has been much written about this event, (there was a good article today) and as more and more information comes to light it is clear that the outcome of that day could have been much different. I am also reminded that arrogance, incompetence, and naivete led to the loss of 2,403 lives. It also left 1,187 wounded. We would do well to learn the lessons of December 7, 1941 and not put too much faith in our ability to negotiate, our safety here at home, and in the competence of those who are leading us. As the old adage goes, "Those who don't know history will be doomed to repeat it."

It is actually very interesting to me just how often history does repeat itself. I recently visited the Guilford Courthouse National Military Park in Greensboro, NC with a friend and learned from one of their videos that the British Parliament had many of the same difficulties and arguments over the American Colonies that we have had over the war in Iraq. Interesting, huh? (By the way, they have done some incredible work on that museum over the past several years. It is really something to see, and the park is a great place to visit whether you are interested in history or just want a good place to walk, hike or whatever.)

Anyway, I do want to take a moment to honor the lives lost there at Pearl Harbor all those years ago, and to thank the men and women who have put their lives on the line to defend our nation throughout history. You guys are my heroes.