Pearl Harbor: A Day that will Live in Infamy

Seventy-Four years ago today, we remember "a day that will live in infamy". On the morning of December 7^th 1941, the Imperial Japanese Empire initiated a surprise attack on the U.S. Military Base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The effect was devastating. The Japanese Navy launched aircraft from their carriers in the pacific who dived to attack important military targets in Pearl Harbor and surrounding area. Almost 4,000 Americans were killed and wounded. Heavy damage was inflicted on US ships and aircraft. This day of tragedy changed the lives of all Americans and the history of our nation.  

Those men there suffered indescribable things. George Washington said this about the American Soldiers at Valley Forge. “Naked and starving as they are, we cannot enough admire the incomparable patience and fidelity of the soldiery.” I believe we can say the same about the men that fought during and after the attack of Pearl Harbor. The battles they fought later in the war took courage, sacrifice, valor, honor, and valiance to win. I would have liked to have been there that day and on many other days to come, to talk with the men and ask them why they kept going in those terrible conditions. I would have liked to see their unfailing devotion first-hand. They suffered all this for one principle–liberty. They suffered so that a man can stand on his own two feet and say, “I am free!” This is why I would have liked to have been there–to see their courage and to help grow mine in the fight for Freedom. They did not sacrifice for our liberty just for us to take it for granted. Ronald Reagan declared, “Freedom is never more then one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it on to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it was once like in the United States where men were free.” Those men want us to take their stories and do the same as they did. We can become inspired by their sacrifice at Pearl Harbor to take our own action in fighting for freedom.

The Medival Era

There is something about the times of castles, knights, and medieval history that is so compelling. Every time I go and study around the era of 1100 - 1500 I am lost in the stories of honor, courage, treachery, and even tragedy.

I love thinking about what it would be like to be a man-at-arms fighting for a powerful knight. Going forward to vanquish foes or retreating behind castle walls to defend the inhabitants within. Rubbing shoulders with the Knights Templar on the holy crusades, or feasting at banquets with royalty.



Recently I have had the experience of immersing myself in medieval history. I have read novels like Rangers Apprentice, acting in the robin Hood play, dressed up for a medieval feast with some friends, or fought in battles with AMRS and Belegarth groups. Can you tell that I love Medieval History?

YFL Essay Contest

Months before YFL Camp, an invitation was sent to enter an essay contest on what event or person we would have liked to witness or shadow from history.  The first three places received a cash prize and the first place winner would have an opportunity to read their essay at the Parent/Camper Awards Night on the final evening of camp.

Guess who won first place?

Here it is:

“Courageous Freedom”
                                                                
     “Naked and starving as they are, we cannot enough admire the incomparable patience and fidelity of the soldiery,” described General George Washington. The event I would have liked to have witnessed is Valley Forge.  I would have liked to have been there to talk with the men and ask them why they kept going in those terrible conditions. I would have liked to see their unfailing devotion first-hand. They weren't there fighting for fame and glamor, rank or prestige. These were mere farmers, merchants, and statesmen who where there to fight for their children's children. They were there to fight for their rights and liberty. That's us, that's you. I would have liked to share the hardships with them to fully realize the extent that they where willing to stand for freedom.  They suffered all this for one principle – liberty. They suffered so that a man can stand on his own two feet and say, “I am free, I can choose what I want to do with my life.” They were fighting against the boot of tyranny that had grounded its heel into the backs of mankind. That is why I would have liked to have been there – to see their courage and to help grow mine in the fight for freedom.
     Their experience is relevant to us today. We can read their story and become inspired to fight for freedom. Their trial was physical and at times spiritual. We may not have the physical trials as they did, but we definitely have the spiritual. We need to reach deep down inside ourselves and ask, “Are we willing to make that sacrifice?” The sacrifice is to fight for liberty no matter what the consequences. I know that as I have read the story of those men at Valley Forge, I have felt a burning inside me that I need to do as they did. I need to fight for freedom – not for me, but for the liberty of future generations. There are countless people that could taste the same fruit we are tasting right now. Like Ronald Reagan declared, “Freedom is never more then one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it on to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it was once like in the United States where men were free.”
     Even today tyrants and evil men seek to destroy our freedom. We need to follow after the example of our founders to keep fighting when all seams lost, like the nine black students at Central High School in Little Rock Arkansas that where chosen to integrate. At the time of their lives when they needed to fit in the most and feel loved, they where beaten, tripped, kicked, and almost killed. They didn't go to that school for themselves. They couldn't participate in any extra-curricular activities because of the treatment they received. Years later in an interview one of the nine students was asked, “what was it like to attend Central?” Melba replied, “I got up every morning, polished my saddle shoes, and went off to war. It was like being a solider on a battlefield.” They were there for their children's rights like the men at Valley Forge.
     Both groups had vision, because without vision one could not withstand the horrific trial they endured for so long. At Valley Forge they probably thought the war was all over, but they persisted and used that trial to strengthen them and not break them. Those brave souls fought for us and suffered for us. They thought with the end in mind – the freedom of their children. I hope as today's Americans, we can be as those men at Valley Forge and never end the fight for freedom. 

On a whim I brought my essay just in case fate happened and it did. The leader was about to announce who won first prize when she added that she had forgotten to bring the campers essays to camp. Another leader piped up "he brought it with him." It was then that it hit me that she had overheard me tell my friend that I had brought mine. Wow! In a split second, I realized that I had actually won the contest.  My thought was confirmed when the announcer read my name as the first place winner.  What a thrill.

I was honored and humbled as campers came up to me afterward (some with tears), and said that they loved my essay.  The week had truly been a feast.  I felt more committed than ever to remember the influence even one person can have in the cause of freedom. 

Key of Liberty

I have been taking an awesome class on the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. for the requirements to pass the class we are asked to right essays depending on the question. Below I will share the first one.

Question: What is my Responsibility to America and Freedom?

Sacred Trust

For America to be free it is essential to have virtuous people. These virtuous people are loyal, obedient, trustworthy, and kind. If there is a virtuous people then they will vote for selfless, serves minded presidents, governors, and congress men/women. these good men and women will make freedom based decisions that will benefit the people. I feel my responsibility to America and freedom is to stay informed, study on the candidates and make an educated vote. help as a citizen in my responsibility by selfless service and helping others. actively serve in my chosen religion by supporting my church leaders and their decisions also by doing my part in my church. building up my family and others with helpful encouragement. Pursue a excellent education and study freedom through reading books and writing down my thoughts. choose not to be any form of tyrant while not bulling others less fortunate. treating others with respect and standing up to all tyrants alike.

The Secret Behind the Federal Reserve

I found this video about the Federal Reserve and other International Banks.  It explained all the causes for many of the wars in history.  Warning it is very long but so worth it. Almost no history books teach this today. I learned so much! I highly recommend this video: