Pearl Harbor - 80 Years Later and the Fight Continues

The bombs bursting in air, gave proof through the night that our flag was still there…

It’s been 80 years since that fateful date of infamy earned its name. On December 7, 1941, Pearl Harbor was attacked by Japanese forces sending the United States hurtling into the second world war.

The theme for this year’s commemoration is “Valor, Sacrifice and Peace.” It is fitting, given the world we find ourselves living in today. When Japan launched their attack, its intent was to cripple the US’s forces in the Pacific. The results (https://rly.pt/3IlbGHY) were staggering, with our armed forces losing over 1,400 soldiers and another 1,000+ civilians. The following war, which began in 1939, would engage the US for another four years and would become the largest and most fatal conflict of all time: https://rly.pt/3IsdWxd.

Today, as we reflect on the lives lost and the changed fate of the world, it's important to keep our history at the front of our minds. The brave men and women who fought in past wars can teach us innumerable lessons to help navigate our biggest global challenge yet - The COVID-19 pandemic.

To think of a war taking 40,000-50,000 human lives is astounding. The valor exemplified by soldiers on the front lines and in support roles is inspiring. Imagine the courage it took to storm the beaches of Normandy, where it is estimated some 10,000 allied forces lost their lives: https://rly.pt/3EslcGZ . Now, think of the fortitude our frontline workers possess to encounter a deadly virus day in and day out in the hopes of saving souls from a painful and suffocating death. They don personal protection equipment like soldiers wear camouflage. Instead of being armed with tanks and fighter jets, they battle with vaccines and ventilators. And they are losing. Every day.

The COVID-19 pandemic has taken the lives of over 5.2 million people worldwide. That is over one hundred times more lives lost than in WWII. Members of our naval military branch sacrificed their lives in Pearl Harbor to keep the shores of our nation safe from invasion. Since the start of the pandemic, many lives have been sacrificed while the medical Marvel heroes of the world research, develop and test ways to treat and prevent illness and infection. As soldiers do in times of war, healthcare providers persevere in the face of criticism and sacrifice time spent with families to fight a battle that never seems to cease or wane.

So today, as you reflect on the 80th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, take a moment to thank the soldiers not fighting in the name of our flag but no less for our lives. As there can be no peace until a war is declared over, nor will we have peace while a virus continues to slaughter our brethren. Healthcare workers are exhausted. They now understand, first hand, what soldiers in war time experience. The job is relentless. There are no holidays from the battle. No matter how hard you may try, you cannot save everyone. Lives depend on you and your courage, your sacrifice. That is true of healthcare professionals right now. Soldiers often get care packages, notes from children expressing gratitude and admiration, handshakes and random declarations of gratitude for their service. What sort of recognition are the healthcare heroes receiving?

Peacefully remember the valor and sacrifice of our WWII veterans by paying it forward to the frontline workers on today’s battlefield. Post your ideas below.