81 Years ago Today - Japan Bombed Pearl Harbor

Hi GG,
Thanks for the links.
Learning from the Past.
Is better than guessing any tommorows.
Your Friend.
Dave

The USS New Jersey is docked in the Delaware river. It sits directly across from Penns Landing in Philadelphia. I'm typically in high rises with a perfect view of the Jersey. At the gate of the Philadelphia Naval Center was a 40 mm Bofors anti-aircraft gun which was atop of a concrete pier. This gun was removed about 5 years ago and restored . The guns were cut off the Jersey around the 1960's . This particular gun which stood as a monument at the gate for many years was returned to the deck of the Jersey. I witnessed the firing of this gun in auto mode 2 years ago on Dec 7. I was a fair distance away and about the 30th story when I could see the smoke first. It was a memorable sight and sound moment.

The same tugboat that launched the Jersey from it's berth in 1942 towed the Jersey away from it's current mooring and returned it after a ceremony. The tug was fully restored which was a sight in itself. Yesterday a wreath ceremony was held on the deck of the Jersey. It was a very overcast rainy day. Sadly, most don't even recognize the importance of this day. I was in second grade and we had a moment of silence when I acted out. I never forgot this as I was yelled at in a way that a teacher doesn't typically do so. I was kept after class and this teacher showed me pictures and lectured me on the why, how and when. There hasn't been a year on Dec.7 since that day where I forgot. Nowadays, I don't hear it on the radio, schools rarely mention it, and the news briefly touches on the subject.

I was in Hawaii a week ago. I was able to sneak away and go to the Arizona. It’s a little bit surreal standing over the ship and realizing that there are 900 or so soldiers inside that rusted hull. Sad is all I can say. It’s not a happy place to visit.