81 Years ago Today - Japan Bombed Pearl Harbor

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.