Pearl Harbor - 80 Years Later and the Fight Continues

CPO Thomas Glynn — Tue, 07 Dec 2021 08:49:40 -0500

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.

Pearl Harbor

Pearl Harbor is a U.S. naval base near Honolulu, Hawaii, that was the scene of a devastating surprise attack by Japanese forces on December 7, 1941. Just

Response by Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth made Dec 7 at 2021 5:49 PM

Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth — Tue, 07 Dec 2021 17:49:34 -0500

Thanks for a great message...one note as I have several family members in health care. Last years COVID angels are now villains if they don't get vaccinated...still willing to face patients on COVID units, er's, clinics at their own choosing of personal risk. They are not villains, they are truly angles that have made a personal choice but some of our nations best are getting fired for what should be a personal choice...they better than anyone else know and understand the risks. Last years frontline angels are now this years villains but still serving proudly in our treatment facilities.

Response by Cpl Vic Burk made Dec 7 at 2021 6:46 PM

Cpl Vic Burk — Tue, 07 Dec 2021 18:46:50 -0500

I remember the 25th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. I think that is when I had a thought about joining the military. My thoughts went dormant for a few years. But I joined eventually! RIP all my fellow military personnel who lost their lives on this fateful day. You are gone but will NEVER be forgotten.

Response by SFC Randy Hellenbrand made Dec 9 at 2021 7:11 PM

SFC Randy Hellenbrand — Thu, 09 Dec 2021 19:11:04 -0500

Sadly, the fight does continue. The GOP is electing guys who share the same politics as the Zero pilots.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Dec 12 at 2021 2:31 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sun, 12 Dec 2021 14:31:42 -0500

Japan made a huge strategic mistake. Tojo and Hitler were bullies, but when they attacked the US and Russia respectively, they messed with bigger bullies. You don't outmuscle a country like the US with one swipe.

Response by SFC Randy Hellenbrand made Dec 13 at 2021 5:33 AM

SFC Randy Hellenbrand — Mon, 13 Dec 2021 05:33:38 -0500

Covid isn't the only danger. Now the GOP elects people that have the same polotics as those Zero pilots.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 15 at 2021 9:17 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 21:17:43 -0500

Yes, thank you for the great message. My grandfather served in The U. S. Navy during WW II as a gunners mate. I've never forgotten Pearl Habor Day, the many we lost that dreadful morning, or the cost of victory. I've noticed a decreasing amount of attention given to remembrance over the years. It used to be covered on the front page of nearly every newspaper. I always find that disheartening. Like so many, he had to leave my grandmother with 4 young girls to rear, answer the nations call, and he did not return until after the war was over in 1946. Blessings and Respect!

I'm a critical care nurse. Continuing to care for COVID patients as they come in. 2020 was a rough year many did not make it. January 2021 and August-September 2021 were bad too. I chose to get vaccinated, but I support my colleague's rights who have chosen not to do so.

Response by SPC Mario Owen made Dec 23 at 2021 6:17 PM

SPC Mario Owen — Thu, 23 Dec 2021 18:17:34 -0500

Not to take away from the message but more than 75 million people died world wide during WW2.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 24 at 2021 1:41 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Dec 2021 01:41:20 -0500

Please post, comment and share the hell out of this!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLPaBqEQML8&t=57s

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