A Day To Remember...!

Just a reminder to take some time today to reflect on the events of December 7TH, 1941.

On that day, as I'm sure you all know, the Japanese launched a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, virtually destroying the majority of the American fleet. The United States and Japan were not at war at the time, and the attack was unprovoked.

For the most part, until that moment, the people of the United States pretty much held an isolationism point of view when it came to world politics. The Japanese changed all that by the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Thanks to their actions on that day, the American people became more united, stronger, and more determined than ever before that they would never let anything like this happen again!

Another reason for me to reminisce on this day...if my Father had lived, my Mother and Father would have celebrated their 66TH wedding anniversary today!

This is a story that would sound like a work of fiction, were it not true! In 1943, my Father had been in the navy for around 2 1/2 years. He had written to my Mother several times, but she was engaged to another young man. One day in December, 1943...My dad showed up at the Western Union office where my Mother worked here in Houston. Somehow, even though she was engaged to another, he convinced her to go out on a date! One date, their first date...and the only one needed! They were married the next day!

Mom and Dad enjoyed a 4 day honeymoon before Dad had to board the train back to the coast to board his ship! Such was the course of true love in times of war!

Although these two events don't really have a direct effect on one another, they do have something in common. What they do show, without a doubt, is that the unexpected things in life can test us, can unite us, and can be the basis for a strong future!

Just as this great nation was tested and made stronger by the war, the wartime union of my Mother and Father laid the foundation for a strong family!

Even though my Father is no longer with us, his presence is still felt in the strength and the family traditions we celebrate to this day.

Let us remember on this day that the sacrifice and dedication of many, many individuals and families was the cost our nation paid for peace. May the people of this nation never forget that, may our leaders never forget that either!

Now, my friends, let's get some coffee and sit at the patio for a bit. We can toast to all the heroes in our lives...past and present!