Dec 02 2007
A Day of Honor
Sixty-six years ago it was a day that will truly live in infamy.
This coming Friday, December 7th, will be a day of honor not only for the 429 Sailors and Marines that died on the USS Oklahoma during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor but also for their countless brothers who gave their all to save this nation.
At long last the USS Oklahoma Memorial is reality thanks to the efforts of many including Kevin King, Paul Goodyear, State Senator Jim Reynolds, U.S. Rep. Tom Cole and President George W. Bush who signed legislation securing the site for the memorial on Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii and of course the many thousands that contributed funds for the memorial’s construction.
Friday at noon a few of the survivors of that horrible day sixty-six years ago will be present to watch as the USS Oklahoma Memorial, which features 429, 7-foot marble pillars with the names of each sailor or Marine who died on the USS Oklahoma, is dedicated.
Undoubtedly it will be an emotional time for these men, now in their 80’s and 90’s but who were basically kids when the Japanese swooped down, attacking on a Sunday morning. They and thousands like them overnight became men, warriors and heroes; all part of what Tom Brokaw called the “Greatest Generation” and all deserving of our respect and heartfelt thanks.
It has been a long time coming, but at long last the crew of the USS Oklahoma has their memorial and Friday at Noon Pearl Harbor time it will be official…
For the web site of the USS Oklahoma crew members and family Click Here