December 7th-A Date Which Shall Live in Infamy

December 7th – A Date Which Shall Live in Infamy 80 Years Later

By Kenneth Reige USAF Veteran

The quote “December 7th a Date Which Shall Live in infamy” is from President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s speech that he made on December 8th, 1941. It is one of the most famous quotes from any presidential speech. 200 years from now people will still talk about it and “quote” it in their stories, just as we still listen to Mozart today.

December 7th, 2021, marks the 80th Anniversary of one of the worst attacks on our country. An attack that thrust us into the deadliest war this world has ever (and hopefully will ever) see. We all know the outcome and the price paid by so many to secure peace. However, I want the focus of this story to honor those who were there and those who still remember that terrible day. The members of the “greatest generation” have done much to make this country the greatest country on earth. They have survived Epidemics, the Great Depression and won WW2. They witnessed many amazing advances in medicine, air travel, the automobile, and the interstate system. Sadly, we are losing this generation too fast, and I encourage everyone to take the time to sit down and listen to their stories so they can be shared.

There is no way to imagine what these young Americans endured that day and the level of heroism to which they all rose. Because of the attack on Pearl Harbor there were 16 Medals of Honor presented; 15 to US Navy Personnel and 1 Marine. Out of the 16 medals, 11 were posthumous.

This is one of my favorite pictures and was sent to me by my dear friend Mr. John Baca, MOH Recipient Vietnam, with his dear friend Mr. John Finn, MOH Recipient WW2. Mr. Finn received his Medal of Honor for his actions at Pearl Harbor. This picture was taken of John and John during Mr. Finn’s 100th Birthday Celebration. *Just a side note regarding Mr. John Finn. He was born on 24 July 1909 and passed on 27 May 2010, just short of his 101st birthday. He served in the United States Navy from 1926 to 1956, retiring at the rank of Lieutenant.

With the approaching of the 80th Anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, what can we do to help honor that day and the brave American’s who were there. I believe they would want us to do what they would have done and that’s just to enjoy each and every day the best way we know how. Spend time with your family or hang out and share stories with your fellow veterans. This is the best way we can honor their sacrifice for our freedom and to ensure their memory does live on.

Before I finish this story, I would like to share a few pictures of the USS Arizona and Pearl Harbor exhibit at the Comfort Suites in Gallup. All the exhibits here are very powerful and I encourage all to stop by to see it. If you have a family member that was at Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941, please share their stories.

This exhibit honors those who fought at Pearl Harbor. The pictures next to the USS Arizona Memorial Model are Mr. Andres (Andy) Escamilla (left) and Mr. Bernard Montano, (right) both from Gallup. I would like to thank the Escamilla and Montano families for allowing me the honor of displaying these pictures. I would also like to draw your attention to the small frame which is centered up top. This is an actual piece of the USS Arizona which was donated by the family of Donald Stratton. Mr. Stratton was one of the last survivors to escape from the USS Arizona. His picture is just below and to the left of the USS Arizona Piece. To the right is Mr. Joe George who helped rescue Donald Stratton.

As with all my stories I will end this one with a quote from one of our nation’s greatest heroes. I have selected the quote from Mr. John Finn. His quote is as follows:

“I always remember the day I took the oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States. That really meant something to me.”

Well, Mr. Finn I could not agree with you more as would anyone who has raised their right hand and taken the “Oath” to support and defend the Constitution of the United States. It is a day we will never forget.

One final note, the Comfort Suites in Gallup is honored to again support the U.S. Marine Corps and their “Toys for Tots” campaign. Please stop by and drop off a toy in our “Toys for Tots” Collection box. Thank you all very much and wishing you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.