A day that will live in Infamy...

Greetings to all of you blog readers out there!  It has been quite a while since I posted anything.  So sorry...as you know, life gets busy :-)  Today, I write a post concerning 2 things in my life that live in infamy.

First, today is the day that Mike and I went on our first date back in 2007. I am thankful I said yes, and I am thankful God brought such a special man into my life. For the 2 of us, it is a day that will live in infamy for a very special reason. It began our love story and our life together.

The second event (and more important on a national level) that will live in infamy is of course the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. As a history nerd I know quite a bit about this day and about WWII in general.  It was always a great topic of interest for me and I have always enjoyed studying it.  However, studying it and seeing it are 2 very different things.

Mike and I had the opportunity to visit Pearl Harbor on our honeymoon back in 2009. As you arrive to get tickets, you have the opportunity to view a film about that terrible day in history.  It sets the tone for what you are about to see. As everyone gets on the boat to head out to the memorial there is a sense of excitement and you can hear people chattering away about how they have always wanted to visit this place and what a neat experience it will be.  Then suddenly, as the ship draws closer, voices seem to quiet and stop all together. It is as if everyone begins to realize the magnitude of what they are about to see. As the boat docks at the memorial you can hear a pin drop.  For this group of people, December 7, 1941 has become very alive and real for the few minutes we have to experience the USS Arizona.

As I stood on the USS Arizona Memorial and looked down into the murky water I was truly thankful for the men that gave their lives in protection of this country that I wasn't even born into yet. Men who lie entombed in that very ship, never laid to rest as a soldier deserves. What an honor to be there to say thank you to these men who forever left loved ones behind in order to stand in the gap for their country.

My moments on the memorial were reflective and silent. As my mom always says, "Tiffany just needed to have her history moment."  But more than that, it was a moment to be thankful and to contemplate the many blessings we have as Americans. What a gift to spend such a special time with my new husband.

I thought it was appropriate to end this section with a portion from President Roosevelt's Infamy Speech. I pray that our leaders can take note of the heart, courage, conviction and passion that made this country so great. I don't know what God's plans for our country's future are, but I am thankful I can still say God Bless America!

Yesterday, December 7, 1941 - a date which will live in infamy - the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan....

As Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy, I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense.

Always will we remember the character of the onslaught against us. No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory.

I believe I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost but will make very certain that this form of treachery shall never endanger us again.

Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory and our interests are in grave danger.

With confidence in our armed forces - with the unbounded determination of our people - we will gain the inevitable triumph - so help us God.