She Says What We're All Thinking

December 7: Remembering Pearl Harbor

Last year, I toured Pearl Harbor, and had the great honor to meet two survivors of the USS Arizona. Humble gentlemen, both of them.

I wrote this about that day:

We toured Pearl Harbor, the USS Arizona Memorial, and the Punchbowl National Cemetery today. I promised myself I wouldn't cry.

I was wrong.

They have a regular table set up, outside the bookstore on the shore, where survivors of the Pearl Harbor attack sign bio sheets, or if you prefer, autograph any souvenir books and photos you've purchased. I was fortunate enough to meet two of those brave gentlemen today, both crew members of the USS Arizona, who were ashore when the attack happened, and therefore survived. I have to admit my hand was shaking a little when I shook their hands.

Standing on the shore, looking at the Arizona Memorial - where the war began - and the USS Missouri anchored nearby - on which the war with Japan formally ended - was nearly overwhelming. I know Younger Daughter thinks I'm a sappy guy, but seeing all that just brought back all my Navy memories, and stories I heard from the old hands at the time ... it was just too much. There was an autographed picture of Gen. McArthur accepting the Japanese surrender on the Missouri, hanging on the bulkhead in the officers' wardroom on my destroyer. The keel of that destroyer was laid in November 1944, and it was launched in February 1945 - and did its shakedown cruise in the west Pacific, during the final battles of WWII.  Today just brought all that full circle, and it got to me.

It got to me then, and it still does. The current generation of know-nothing occupiers, demanding to feed from the governmental teat, disgusts me. But I have a feeling they're going to learn soon that the world neither cares about nor remembers them - and far too many in government have the same mindset. Our enemies neither slumber nor sleep, and will be delivering yet another wake-up call ... IF we don't stop them first.


REMEMBER. And please learn what history has to teach, or it will happen again.

Watchmen Asleep?

In my day, I've lived through the build-up for Viet Nam, was on active duty during those final years, and during the reduction in force that took place afterward. I watched the military be re-built under Ronald Reagan, and then torn down again during the Clinton years. We have not recovered from that time.

When I enlisted in the Navy, we had three times as many surface warships as there are now. That's only one example, I know, but you know I'm right.


The enemies which we faced down during the Cold War era are rebuilding now, while our recent leaders haven't seemed to care. I grant you that our modern fighting forces are the best we've ever had, and they have superior weaponry ... but watching our foes re-arm themselves would leave me in great apprehension if I didn't know Him who is the Author of history and of my redemption.



My increasingly-close friend DR over at The Maritime Sentry has linked to a report which puts much of this in perspective. Head on over and take a look.

A Touch of Class

From today's paper, a letter to the editor:

With the holiday season upon us, I want to offer a sincere thank you to the host communities around Alaska who enable the continued success for the more than 23,000 men and women in uniform -- active duty, National Guard and reserve -- who live and serve in Alaska.

While we reflect on the collective accomplishments we have made in 2009, we must acknowledge the unwavering support of our neighbors and friends out of uniform. Our success comes only through your support and sustained trust in how we execute our mission.

This time of year allows all of us to spend very special moments with family and friends and to thank our service members and their families who are serving around the world -- some in harm's way in places such as Afghanistan and Iraq.

Again, our sincere thanks for what each of you and your families do every day for our armed forces and for our great nation! Happy holidays.

-- Lt. Gen. Dana T. Atkins

commander, Alaskan Command