As the Christmas holiday approaches other holidays go by unnoticed such as Pearl Harbor Day. On June 7,1941 the Japanese attacked the military base in Hawaii. An attack that no one saw coming until it was too late. The loss of life was catastrophic not to mention the fleet of ships that went down. The intention by the Japanese was to prevent the American Pacific Fleet from interfering with their plans to conquer Southeast Asia. Needless to say they knew the right time to attack as most “all” of the Pacific fleet had pulled into Pearl Harbor for the upcoming holiday, a huge mistake on the part of our military. President Franklin D. Roosevelt called that day, “A date that will live in infamy!” It certainly was a brutal and shocking day. The United States had remained neutral up to this point but formally entered into WWII after the attack. Having the privilege of being stationed in Honolulu with my husband, who served in the Navy at Pearl Harbor, we were reminded almost daily of the terrible loss as the skeletal remains of the ships were always in full view. After so much brutality that war brings, we settled our differences with Japan and now they are one of our best allies. God never said peace would come easy, and everyday can be a battle to get there. As those that were there at Pearl Harbor, as well as so many of the other forgotten battles, let’s try to do better remembering as they gave their lives to keep us free. Remember the one who did on Calvary?!
1 Peter 4:12
Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, help to remember always those who have fought the battles for us, for those who have given their lives for our freedom. Help us to strengthen our spiritual selves as we continually battle evil everyday. In your precious name we pray. Amen