I knew, as soon as took the photo, that this would be the one for today's Project 365. We visited the Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor. What a wonderful and somber experience.
I, of course, know about the tragedy that happened at Pearl Harbor that infamous Sunday in December...but Friday gave me such a detailed history lesson. We started off our day with a drive around Hickam AFB...looking at planes and old buildings. Bullet holes from Japenese attack planes are still visible on the sides of buildings, left there to remember...
The Air Force Missing Man Formation at the water in the Navy Channel was a place for reflection and remembrance of the fallen and the brave. And we got a surprise viewing of one of our Navy's Aircraft Carriers launching out to sea. My dad was like a kid in a candy store...he loves the history stuff.
Then we drove through to Pearl Harbor and checked out the dry docks...I've got to say, those are some of my favorite things on the Military Bases here... watching 4th of July fireworks pop off above those ships is breath-taking...makes me proud. At the Arizona Memorial Station...We were able to view an educational film about the December 7th attacks and then catch a U.S. Navy boat over to the Memorial. At Ford Island, we got to stand and watch the waves crash around the capsized USS Utah, where its sailors rest, entombed forever. I learned so much about the attacks on our Military in Hawaii....about the war... it was emotional, it was heartbreaking.
I have such great respect and gratitude for the men and women that have served our country in (and out) of times of battle and war...and for those that serve today. I thank them. I support them. I am proud to stand with them...Proud to be an American.
Today's photo is of the flag that flies proud on USS Arizona Memorial. It represents freedom and sacrifice. It represents unity and strength. And it represents a nation that came together in the face of tragedy and, despite its loss, stood up strong to face its aggressors.
"No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory."
"With confidence in our armed forces, with the unbounding determination of our people, we will gain the inevitable triumph -- so help us God."
-President Franklin Delano Roosevelt
