Arizona Republic: Ducey: Greatest Generation Has A Lesson To Teach Us On Pearl Harbor Anniversary
|
|
|
Opinion: I encourage every Arizonan to learn from the very best of our Greatest Generation as we face down the challenge of our lifetime — the public health crisis of COVID-19.
|
|
|
Governor Doug Ducey
Arizona Republic
December 7, 2020
|
|
Our nation has many memorials to the sacrifices Americans made to defend our freedoms in World War II. None are quite like the memorial built over the sunken remains of the battleship USS Arizona.
Five years ago today, I visited the Pearl Harbor National Memorial in Hawaii with my father-in-law John and my wife Angela. John was a first class petty officer in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Seeing this solemn tribute to the “Greatest Generation” with him at our side was a moment I will never forget.
One glimpse of the black tears of fuel still seeping from Arizona’s wreckage, one breath of its oil fumes still lingering in the air, and you’re immediately reminded of why Dec. 7, 1941 will forever be remembered as “a date which will live in infamy.”
The events that unfolded on that Sunday 79 years ago would forever change the course of world history.
In a matter of hours, a surprise attack would result in the deaths of more than 2,400 Americans and plunge our nation into World War II. Aboard the USS Arizona, 1,177 crew members perished and the ship is a resting place for more than 900.
Today, as we remember the attack on Pearl Harbor, I believe Arizonans and all Americans are left with a solemn duty – a duty to pause, to reflect, to remember and to honor those who were killed and injured in this unprovoked attack of war on our nation.
And while it’s natural to dwell on the evil perpetrated against our fellow Americans all those years ago, we must also remember that out of the depths of darkness and destruction rose some of the most incredible demonstrations of bravery, heroism and sacrifice the world has ever witnessed.
Through 75 minutes of the attack and the chaos of pure hell on earth, countless patriots risked and gave their lives to defend their fellow Americans and preserve our freedoms.
Over the last five years, I’ve had the privilege of returning to Pearl Harbor one additional time to lay a wreath in honor of everyone who perished there. But whether it’s been at ceremonies in Hawaii, or at the state Capitol in the shadow of anchor of the USS Arizona, my highest honor has been not only meeting Pearl Harbor survivors, but hearing their stories and learning from their example.
When faced with enemies bent on their destruction, America’s Greatest Generation—from Pearl Harbor onward—showed the world the true meaning of patriotism, bravery and sacrifice.
On land, at sea and in the air — at home and abroad — these brave men and women remained unified in the face of great peril. And they emerged victorious over the challenge of their lifetime, preserving our freedoms and making possible the countless blessings Americans enjoy today.
On this Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, I encourage every Arizonan to learn from the very best of our Greatest Generation as we face down the challenge of our lifetime — the public health crisis of COVID-19.
As we remember all that was given by our fellow patriots on December 7, 1941, we pray for the families of everyone who fell in the attack on Pearl Harbor.
We honor every man and woman who has served and continues to serve our nation in uniform.
And we give thanks for every member of America’s Greatest Generation — those who have passed and those who are still with us today.
May we commit to following their example of unity, determination, selflessness and perseverance amidst our own trials today and every day.
|
|
|
|
|
