2,402 dead, 1,282 wounded

Today is the 72nd anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack where 2,402 were killed and 1,282 wounded.

At Pearl Harbor the USS Arizona Memorial stretches over the ship resting below that it honors and remembers.

As you walk through the memorial it is quiet. However, as you move to the far end of the space the quiet somehow intensifies, only filled in by occasional camera clicks.

On the back wall is a list of names, all of those who passed there 72 years ago. It is a stark image of the loss. It is a somber, dreadful reminder of the sacrifice our troops must always be mindful of and ready for.

Back at the Pearl Harbor memorial site are many other artifacts, images and informational cards telling the narrative of Dec 7, 1941. As you make your way through them you come to Contemplate Circle.

Along the wall are quotes from people of that time wanting us now to not just give a pacing glance at everything in sight. This placard claims that Eleanor Roosevelt kept this poem in her wallet. I imagine her pulling it out from time to time for perspective, encouragement and to ask herself its question.

We should also be asking this question. May we never allow the significance of days like 12/7/41 or 9/11/01 to dissipate in our hearts