December 7, ’41: Pearl Harbor Day!
But most of you were not alive then, or too young,
To recognize its impact then, in any way;
But that day must not be allowed to fade, unsung,
Because of passing time, advancing years or not,
For in and of that day this nation came alive;
And you now know the history how it was fought.
For that day did unleash our patriotic drive.
Its blunt awakening did something to us all;
And that was heard throughout the world, both long and loud!
For, instantly, we, as a people, then stood tall!
This then is why we should remember, and be proud;
Our “melting pot” of citizens arose as one,
The dregs of the Depression vanished overnight,
Replaced with a resolve as warm as any sun,
Which somehow made us know that we would win the fight!
This day would mirror the strength of who we came to be;
That strength is seen in what the world has come to see!
© Richard Williams