I cannot remember Pearl Harbor because it was far before my time, but I try to honor it's memory (and the memory of so many more people and events) by being honestly thankful for those who have chosen to serve this country by joining the armed forces. The danger you face is ever-present, the rewards usually meager, and the thanks often lacking. Whatever the reason you chose to serve is your own, but the gratitude for your choice is universal, if poorly articulated these days by both the people and our government.

I was a member of the US Navy. So was my father before me. My grandfather was in the US Army during WWII. Some of my ancestors were on both sides of the US Civil War. It goes on and on.

From time to time, peole defend their beliefs. They may not necessarily be correct in their beliefs, but I applaud their willingness to do more than sit back and watch TV.

No way, that movie sucked.

SpinStopper: I was a member of the US Navy. So was my father before me. My grandfather was in the US Army during WWII. Some of my ancestors were on both sides of the US Civil War. It goes on and on.

From time to time, peole defend their beliefs. They may not necessarily be correct in their beliefs, but I applaud their willingness to do more than sit back and watch TV.

This.

I joined the Navy to follow in the noble footsteps of my family. My grandfathers stood on ships swarming with Kamikazes or building runways on remote islands.

I joined when the Gulf erupted in the 90's and had the honor of manning the rails in Pearl Harbor when we docked across the bay.

I am thankful to every man and woman that answers the call.

I am thankful for those that went above and beyond and answered the call in blood.

Here's a toast to every man who selflessly gives of himself so that others may live, who is willing to laydown his life for the rights of others to spit on his sacrifice. Here's to the American Soldier, the sailor, the airman, the Coastie who is an angel to the mariner in distress. Here's to the policeman, the fireman, the paramedic and the EMT, the volunteer and the paid, to the nurse, to the Doctor, who struggles to save lives and correct mistakes others make.

These are all heros. Never forget that these are people that put their lives on the line every day for you to enjoy the rights and freedoms you do have.

Eat_At_Milliways: No way, that movie sucked.

In another 60 years, 9/11 will be the new Pearl Harbor. (Like I needed to remind Farkers of that). And whoever takes over Ben Affleck's place as a shiatty actor with unnaturally white teeth with play the part of...Tom Ridge...I guess.

To those of you who died/survived Pearl Harbor and the ensuing years of war: thanks.

Pearl Harbor memorial thread != let's see who can fellate the military the deepest thread.

Eat_At_Milliways: No way, that movie sucked.

And yet, there's always one attention whore.

/Someone get's a night-night nugget.

hardinparamedic: These are all heros. Never forget that these are people that put their lives on the line every day for you to enjoy the rights and freedoms you do have.

I disagree. They're not heroes.

They're just people doing what they know that they have to do.

Without hesitation or reservation. They just do.

I wish that there were more people like them ;)

Procedural Texture: Pearl Harbor memorial thread != let's see who can fellate the military the deepest thread.

Regardless of how you feel about the Iraq War, about Boosh being a Natzi, or about how we shoud all be touchy-feely and throw posies instead of frag grenades, the world isn't quite there yet. It isn't fellating the military. It's respecting the sacrifices of those people who answer the call, and who volunteered for military service knowing that they could be called upon to give their lives for their country. Sixty years ago, over a thousand people died in a sneak attack by an empire that could be truely called evil in the very sense of the word. (Look up Unit 731, the Rape of Nanking just to name a few). These people died defending their country and their freedoms from Mankind's darkest hour.

And they did it knowing it would be for people like you to be able to say what you want.

Procedural Texture: let's see who can fellate the military the deepest thread.

Not the military, but the people that volunteer.

Anyway, since you can't be bothered, enjoy being an asshole.

SpinStopper: hardinparamedic: These are all heros. Never forget that these are people that put their lives on the line every day for you to enjoy the rights and freedoms you do have.

I disagree. They're not heroes.

They're just people doing what they know that they have to do.

Without hesitation or reservation. They just do.

I wish that there were more people like them ;)

Eh. I suppose. But two arguements can be made here.
Those who allow evil to occur and do not take action are just as evil.
And the old Bible, which says "There is no greater love than for a man to lay down his life for another".

To me, anyone who runs into the line of fire is a hero. Because I'm going to be behind the nearest brick wall until someone doubletaps the shooter.

Most my age can't remember the date of "Pearl Harbor"... Hell i work with people who have no idea who shot Kennedy. (Warehouse type job)

Luckily we planed ahead and called the attacks on September 11th: 9/11. It will be easier to "Never Forget"

Go Raiders.
/with all do respects to all veterans and civilians who have answered the call

I remember being freaked out once in Japan when I saw they mark the day of the attack on Dec 8th. I was arguing with the newscaster on the TV screen, shouting, "it was the 7th, dammit!"

Then I remembered timezones.

Ironically, I will actually remember this day for another reason. My wife is in labor with our first child.

Remember the Maine! Seriously, what is it we're supposed to remember about Pearl Harbor? The U.S. was attacked by a foreign asshat. We won in the end. The only person I know who was there was on the crapper. And, frankly, the image of "Brownie" on the crapper when the Japanese struck has haunted my dreams for 40 years. Can't we remember something nice?

Makh: My wife is in labor with our first child.

Remember December 7! Makh's wife is in labor! Memories I can wrap my brain around.

No big deal, I "bomb the harbor" every morning...

MorrisBird:

Well, I will remember it.

/Thank god for wireless internet.

Eat_At_Milliways: No way, that movie sucked.

Only movie I've ever walked out on.

Betacamman: Eat_At_Milliways: No way, that movie sucked.

Only movie I've ever walked out on.


Same here. Terrible, terrible "film".


Gramps was in Europe in WWII, barely made it out. His high school friend was two feet in front of his when his head was blown off by a German sniper. The only time I ever saw him cry was when he was telling that story.

Thank you veterans, old and new.

I'm suprised no one has turned this into a Bush is a nazi, our military are babykillers, or the Illuminati/UN Unification conspiracy did 9/11 for oil thread.

Bravo, Fark.

What's long and white and full of seamen?

Today the flag on our base was flying at half mast. The sun flag on the pole next to it was flying at full mast. Taps sounded particularly sad tonight.

We got them back and then some.

9/11 is our new Pearl Harbor.

So it's the anniversary of the Japanese attacking a US Naval Base...

HERO tag Subby?

Living here in Hawaii in Pearl Harbor...I get goosebumps just thinking about how that morning must have felt. I live so close to the Arizona...Its hard to think about all those people still down there. My husband serves in the Navy...We will never forget.

Eternal Father, strong to save,
Whose arm hath bound the restless wave,
Who bidd'st the mighty ocean deep
Its own appointed limits keep;
Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee,
For those in peril on the sea!

Lord, guard and guide the men who fly
Through the great spaces in the sky.
Be with them always in the air,
In darkening storms or sunlight fair;
Oh, hear us when we lift our prayer,
For those in peril in the air!
Aloft in solitudes of space,
Uphold them with Thy saving grace.
Thou Who supports with tender might
The balanced birds in all their flight.
Lord, if the tempered winds be near,
That, having Thee, they know no fear.

Lord God, our power evermore,
Whose arm doth reach the ocean floor,
Dive with our men beneath the sea;
Traverse the depths protectively.
O hear us when we pray, and keep
Them safe from peril in the deep.

Being how far to the left Fark is, I wonder when posters will come in defending the attack, stating Japan was justified because of the oil embargo and US imperialist aggresion.

Infamy, A day that will live in it.

Don't want to be a shiat disturber BUT... we asked for help in that war and the Americans didn't want to get involved. Sadly, it took this bombing to get the U.S. Govt attention to the whole thing.

Don't get me wrong, we were quite happy to have you join us as I don't think we could have won without you.

Hats off to all that gave their lives in any war for our freedom. It's so sad that not many remember Remembrance Day (Veterans' Day) as well. This is probably why we are doomed to make the same mistakes over and over again.

/never watched the movie

Swampthing in Korea: Being how far to the left Fark is, I wonder when posters will come in defending the attack, stating Japan was justified because of the oil embargo and US imperialist aggresion.

Justified? No. Did they have reasons? Yes. Hell, it was, to them, an early version of the Bush Doctrine.

But that doesn't explain China, or Korea. So this lefty won't defend them any farther than that.

My grandfather was a Boatswain Mate on the USS California BB-44. He survived, fought the war on a series of tin cans, and died in 1997. He didn't talk much about his experiences during the war. I wouldn't have known he was aboard California but for an old photograph with an inscription on the back reading "My first ship." My Aunt, his daughter, had found the photograph during an attic rummage and shared it in hope I could determine what ship it was.

I was a sailor too the last time I visited him. I'd picked up a modern US Navy ball-cap for the USS California BB-44 at an Exchange in San Diego. He was proud I'd joined the Navy, and we had a long overdue heart-to-heart when I presented him with the ball cap. I didn't know when he first was assigned the California he didn't even like her. He liked the ball-cap just fine, though.

He died later that year, under my Aunt's care. His big old heart just finally gave out. No one argued over the execution of his will, and dividing up Granddad's estate went remarkably smooth. The house, the car, the accounts, proved no worries.

Until we came to the ball-cap, that is. Grandfather's best friend Dick wanted it. So did my dad, Uncle Roy, Uncle Frank, Aunt Kay, and my sister. I guess because I was the one who gave Granddad the ball-cap in the first place eventually everyone asked what we should do. I proposed we give the ball-cap to Dick, as I wouldn't be seeing him again (I'd only met him a couple of times). Then I went to the Exchange and got a matching ball-cap for everyone else. Everyone seemed content.

I visited Pearl Harbor a couple of times now. It's a pretty place.


Pennsylvania BB-39 Arizona Memorial


Iowa BB-63 Missouri

Thanks for reading.

hardinparamedic
I'm suprised no one has turned this into a Bush is a nazi, our military are babykillers, or the Illuminati/UN Unification conspiracy did 9/11 for oil thread.

You are certainly doing your best trying repeatedly.

The Voice of Doom: hardinparamedic
I'm suprised no one has turned this into a Bush is a nazi, our military are babykillers, or the Illuminati/UN Unification conspiracy did 9/11 for oil thread.

You are certainly doing your best trying repeatedly.

Then you obviously haven't read a thing I've posted. Or your comprehension skills need a little tutoring.
It just seems to be the way of Fark to attract a greater amount of nutjobs than most places.

Procedural Texture: Pearl Harbor memorial thread != let's see who can fellate the military the deepest thread.

I don't think it would be. Fark regularly greenlights tribute threads on 11 November (Rembrance Day/Armistice Day for the Brits), Memorial Day and 25 April (ANZAC Day for the Australians and New Zealanders). Being a Kiwi I naturally find the third to be most poignant in part because it's part of my country's founding myth, but also because it was a defeat. The Japanese thoroughly defeated the Americans in that battle, and when that happened instead of cowering, the Americans stood up. I think the way you take your knocks says a great deal about your character and the same can be said about a nation's character. Whether that kind of national character exists today can probably only be determined by future historians. If this were really a case of rah-rah nationalism, surely it would be V.E. or V.J. day that would have greater significance.

HERO tag? my ass. we LOST that battle.

I remember Pearl Harbor, because I am a sea turtle.

holiday_inn_in_cambodia: HERO tag? my ass. we LOST that battle.

wow. just wow.

hardinparamedic: Here's a toast to every man who selflessly gives of himself so that others may live, who is willing to laydown his life for the rights of others to spit on his sacrifice.

No need to belittle anyone. Don't be disrespectful.

My Grandfather served in WWII. Great man. I'm not sure what he'd think about my living in Japan at the moment, but that's neither here nor there. Thanks.

Stealthdoser

Thanks for sharing.

/Just so you know your post didn't go unread.

I knew a gentleman who was a Chief on the Shaw when this explosion occurred. The blast threw him almost to the middle of the channel. My grandfather (who was with the Navy airship program at the time of the attack) knew many others, and usually spends this day talking about them, especially his friend from Toms River, NJ who was aboard the Vestal when the Arizona went up.

In honor of these men and all who served in WWII, please take a moment at 7:48am (Hawaiian, 12:48pm Eastern) to remember them. They deserve it.

Samsaran: Thank you. It is wonderful to hear this from one of our friends. I am so used to hearing anti American hate here that your post is very refreshing.

I swear, if you turn this into another self pitying circle jerk I'm going to smack you so hard you end up looking normal.

This is about respecting those who fought, not stroking yourself about how misunderstood you are. These people did NOT die to justify your childish smugness.

Oh, and
Procedural Texture: Pearl Harbor memorial thread != let's see who can fellate the military the deepest thread.

Blow me.

cmunic8r99: holiday_inn_in_cambodia: HERO tag? my ass. we LOST that battle.

wow. just wow.

get_to_the_chopper: Don't want to be a shiat disturber BUT... we asked for help in that war and the Americans didn't want to get involved. Sadly, it took this bombing to get the U.S. Govt attention to the whole thing.

Don't get me wrong, we were quite happy to have you join us as I don't think we could have won without you.


I can understand the sentiment but would kindly remind you that we were heavily involved in the war before the attack on Pearl Harbor. We just weren't sending our army's across the pond, but quite a few supplies made it through.

This is not a day to remember that America was attacked on her shores. I'll answer Morrisbirds question rather easily.

We remember this day because...

Many heroes fell in battle this day on both sides. They are heroes because when the bullets start flying, you don't think about the politics, you don't consider national boundries nor who attacked whom first or why. You think only that your brother in arms is fighting for his life at the risk of dismemberment and great pain. Many men, of many nationalities gave their lives so that their brother might live; they are the heroes and they are why we remember this day and all days like it. (Rememberence Day)

Just my .02.

/Salute to all the men and women who carry on the proud tradition of protecting those next to you regardless of the color of their uniform or the flag emblazoned on the shoulder.

Just had a thought:

6AM Honolulu time-- December 7, 1941

is

1AM Tokyo time-- December 8, 1941

Do the Japanese give the start of the war with America as 12/8/41?

Hakone: Stealthdoser

Thanks for sharing.

/Just so you know your post didn't go unread.

+1

notmtwain: Just had a thought:

6AM Honolulu time-- December 7, 1941

is

1AM Tokyo time-- December 8, 1941

Do the Japanese give the start of the war with America as 12/8/41?

I really don't think they think about it too much.

No, because the US did not declare war on Japan until Dec. 8, 1941 (US Eastern time zone).