On December 7th, Veterans groups will be honoring those brave military personnel and civilians that came under attack 69-years ago.    This surprise attack ended the lives of thousands and removed a legacy.    We’ll never know the greatness that could have entered the world had these brave personnel been allowed to enjoy their remaining years.

I admit that a few years ago, I didn’t have a full understanding of Pearl Harbor – it was long before my time. Then, I met Mr. Owens, an old man that lived behind me. Over casual “Hello’s” we finally became acquainted and would meet at the back fence in the early evenings with our coffee to talk. Mr. Owens served on the USS Nevada when they came under attack. He described those years during the war, the day of the attack and the loss of his friends and fellow sailors. After his ship was gone, he served in Adak, Alaska to prepare a front against a coming enemy. It was a significant part of his life as a survivor, but also because of his love and pride for this nation.

This important event in history was kept alive by men like him and others to make our nation stronger. It is the remembrance of loss and the pride of a nation that brings people to respond.    Unfortunately, those of that great generation who ran into the battle to preserve our freedoms are passing away each day. If we fail to teach a coming generation the significance of these heroes’ actions, we will fail our youth and thus, fail our own nations’ future.

Do you know of a World War II veteran living near you? If not, is there a senior center or retirement home nearby? Go there.    Find a veteran who will likely be alone.    Bring them home for a dinner, or go and visit them.    Bring your kids or grandkids.    LET THEM TALK...so many are not listened to these days because they are seen as something from time gone by.    Let your kids meet these men and women who served. They are true heroes today as they were then.    We should never let our busyness or pride prevent us from honoring those who fought for our freedoms and opportunities.

Note: Edited to update website link on 12/20/2014