A Day That Will Live… on The History Channel

Yup folks, it’s that time again: December 7th 2004! Over 60 years ago today the Armies of the Japan Imperium flew into American airspace and bombed the United States Naval Base at Pearl Harbor. An action which would shepherd our entrance into World War II.

The Second World War was perhaps one of the most important times in American history. It would lead us as a country not only across the globe, but into an examination of our own social and political values. It would redefine the presidency and finally see Woodrow Wilson’s dream of a world forum become a reality. This War would lead us through the doors of the Red Scare into the arms of Unionization and Civil Rights. And it all started today over a little known Naval Base on the Hawaiian Island of Oahu.

And how do we remember it? Is there a day of national mourning? Do the news services hold a united vigil? Do our leaders talk to us? Hell do we get at break on buying stamps? NO! All we get is a marathon of Horrors on The History (of War) Channel and a few high school History teachers asking questions to apathetic students.

No wonder we live in a disposable culture, no wonder Nations accuse us of forgetting our historical lessons. Losing our identity and moral compass to the spectacle of the American political system. The stage set with Wars and subterfuge, with moral outrage and fear. This business they call politics, has taken actors and acting to a whole new height. But it has left behind the meat of the issues, the truth, the responsibility. It has become, to most, a running joke or a frustrating fight against the a spin machine that can turn heroics into fraud.

And what’s left for ‘We the People’? What can… What should we be able to give our children if not a better Future? In my own lifetime I have seen technologies encroach on nature, I’ve seen good men and woman live and die for a dream. I’ve seen people sell out, or ‘buy in’ as they say. I watched my City’s towers fall, and worried about my family and friends. I’ve smoked with a man who was in the Trade Center as it fell, and lived to talk about it. And that is truly our greatest power! The ability to survive, to adapt, to move on. But survival alone is hollow, and forgetting what it took to get us where we are is the worst sort of arrogance.

Today December 7th 2004 at 2AM I watched Jupiter slide behind the Moon and reappear about an hour later. I looked up and knowing how tiny our world is, watched a giant disappear behind a natural satellite not even a 10th it’s size. But perspective is an important thing. Alone in the dark or not we are together, as a Nation and a people. But if we don’t act for each other who will.

On December 7th 1941 men and women died for no other reason than power. What has changed? Will our children die for the same?

http://plasma.nationalgeographic.com/pearlharbor/ax/frameset.html