On our recent trip to the Washington, D. C. area we visited Arlington Cemetery. Even though it was rainy and windy, I had to stop at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. (now known at the Tomb of the Unknowns)
On December 7th, 1941, Pearl Harbor was hit by a surprise attack killing 2403 men along with the 188 planes destroyed and 8 fleets destroyed or damaged.
On December 8th, 1941 President Roosevelt signed the Declaration of War.
Today we honor the men and woman who died that day.
The World War II Memorial was dedicated on July 23, 1998.
Each of these 4000 gold stars represents 400,000 Americans who gave their life. In WWII gold stars meant family sacrifice. 
When you visit Arlington, the WWII Monument and all the other monuments and memorials in D.C. you can't help but realize the sacrifice that was paid for our Freedom and Liberty.
As I sit here this morning reflecting on our history, I can not help but believe that that as individuals we have a right to live freely because of the price that has been paid for us throughtout our history. That men and woman sacrificed and died and paid a high price for that.
Our Founding Fathers knew that the greatest threat to Liberty was an all powerful central government where the few dictate to the many. Federal government should be confined to ONLY what is allowed in the Constitution and nothing more. Yet, every day we see more of our individual liberties taken away.
Liberty once lost is rarely recovered, so we must teach our children and know the principals of self-government and what our Founders meant when they w
Those sacred documents have connected each of us to past generations. The individual, you and me but be allowed to progress and improve without more government regulations and taxes that enslave us.
There are many of us blogging here, that had family members who fought in WW II. My dad was in the Army and Mike's father was in the Navy. Today, I honor them today.
I welcome you to share your memories and honor your loved one here.
Missy: Thanks for bringing this up today! I was thinking about this last night wondering if anyone would remember. I, too, have visited those memorials in DC and they are a very sobering reminder of our great heritage and history and remind me to be thankful for my freedom!
I will there next week to put a wreath on the site of my parents grave. No matter how many times I visit it is always a moving experence entering Arlington
I wish every American could take a trip to Washington D.C. to visit the memorials. It would deepen the appreciation for the price paid for the freedom we take for granted.
Thanks for posting this.
My Dad was in The navy during the war also.
Missy - While I have not had the opportunity to visit Arlington, there are several veterans' memorials near me where I can pay honor and tribute to sacrifices made by so many and reflect on the true meaning of the liberty and freedom we have today because of them.
Missy,
Thank you for a wonderful blog. A reminder of a sacrifice in the past. The sagrifice, that led to our freedom be upheld.
But the challenge never disappear
Thanks for this, Missy. My father was a senior at Fordham 68 years ago today when Pearl Harbor was attacked. After he graduated he was drafted into the signal Corps and spent 3+ years in New Guinea. He was one of the lucky ones; because he had a degree, he was not put into the infantry and spent time relatively far from combat. He came home, but was affected the rest of his life. His cousin was not so lucky; he died at Normandy on the Longest Day.
God bless all of their memories, and perhaps their sacrifice can put some of our headaches in this market into perspective.
H-m-m-m, Based on the founding fathers definition, I would say that we are in a heap of touble from the folks in DC. I honor all the men and women that gave the ultimate sacrifice...
Helping you live your American dream...
Missy, I've read about 40 posts today trying to catch up and this is the first one I saw on this....I am so glad you posted it. We must not forget the devastation of war or to honor our men and women fighting in one now.
Great post Missy. My grandmother was in Pearl Harbor when it was bombed. By God's grace she was not hurt and is still living a nice full life.
Missy, I was at an all day training and am embarrassed that I forgot about this. Thank you for the reminder and the wonderful post.
Thank you!
What a sad day that was! It moved a country to action. It was the 9/11 of that generation...
Hi Missy, I really liked this and thank you for presenting it here in a quiet dignified way. History repeats itself as we have seen through these many generations. Our country has paid a dear price and We The People can only hope, that our country is kept safe from those that would harm it. And we also have to watch out for the enemies that hate our way of life. Both can be formidable.
Missy,
Posting in forums such as this is what keeps the memory alive.
I would love to visit Arlington Cemetery. It must have brought you goose bumps to be there Missy.