And How Bravely They Fought

Pearl Harbor survivors meet for last time
By JAYMES SONG, Associated Press Writer Thu Dec 7, 7:58 AM ET
PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii - With their number quickly dwindling, survivors of Pearl Harbor will gather Thursday one last time to honor those killed by the Japanese 65 years ago, and to mark a day that lives in infamy.

In Tom Brokaw’s book, The Greatest Generation, he address’s the glory of our parents and grandparents time in the sun. It is a generation that defined so many of us.

In my case my parents lived in Nazi occupied Europe. I don’t believe I’ve ever had that kind of a “bad day”.
My father-in-law served in the Pacific with the Flying Tigers. I saw a picture recently of him in uniform and was amazed at his youth and the pride that filled his eyes. He was part of an all Chinese Support group. Up to few years back they would have a reunion to catch up, but time has reduced the number and physical ailments have put and end to those.

A while back we went to the Aviation museum in Galveston. I wasn’t to sure what would be inside but thought it would be an adventure since I have always been a fan of World War 2 airplanes. This place was a treasure trove of memories. It is an all volunteer sight and run mostly on donations. As we wandered through the displays you couldn’t help but me amazed at the sheer dimensions of these fighting machines. The bombers with their gun turrets made me claustrophobic just looking at them. Then trying to imagine someone shooting at you at the same time.
While we were there I noticed a gentleman around my Father-in-law's age. The guide who was giving the tour soon became another avid listener as the soldier told of being a pilot and the missions he flew in the Pacific. It almost seemed that the storyteller became a bit taller in his stance and his eyes became brighter with each word. To no one’s amazement, the rope barricade around the WWII fighter plane came down and this rightful owner was given complete access to “his” airplane. It was not a huge stretch to imagine him at 19 years old and he and the airplane learning together.
I am still amazed at the sights we saw that day, but my thoughts always go back to the gentleman there, who was one of the generation that allowed me to even be able to visit there in the 1st place.