Today, in 1941, Japan attacked America at Pearl Harbor and our full on involvement in World War II began.

It was way before my time and, probably, yours but the events of that day affect our lives even now. And forever will.

I've been to Pearl Harbor and made that short boat trip to the USS Arizona memorial.  When you're standing there you can actually feel what happened. Close your eyes and you're there, in that moment.  That memory will not fade away.

Drops of oil ... the "tears" of the Arizona ... still rise from the wreckage.  Leaving  rainbows on the water above what is, basically, the tomb of so many American servicemen. (Over 1,000 of her crew alone died that day.)

Photo by Phil Mislinski/Getty Images
Photo by Phil Mislinski/Getty Images
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She hasn't forgotten but I'm afraid we have.  Every year, there are fewer news stories.  I came back from there with a new fascination for the events of December 7th, 1941.  In the years since my visit, the number of tributes and memorials I see has dwindled from "too many to count" to "too easy to count".

History classes barely even give it a nod these days.

Don't let this day get lost in the "holiday hustle".   If you don't know much about that terrible day, educate yourself.  Teach your kids about it. If you have family who were there, listen to their stories.  Write them down.  Keep them alive...

Do you or a relative have a story?  I know there are still many retired military men and women here in El Paso who were in the service at that time. Some who were actually there at Pearl Harbor that day.  I'd love to hear some of those stories!  Share them below or on The Q facebook page.

Never forget.

Photo by Kent Nishimura/Getty Images
Photo by Kent Nishimura/Getty Images
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