Today we remember the 2,400 American lives lost when Japanese fighter planes attacked the U.S. Naval Base at Pearl Harbor 81 years ago on Dec. 7, 1941.
The attack launched the United States into World War II, resulting in 16 million Americans leaving their families and serving their country. More than 400,000 service members paid the ultimate sacrifice and did not return home between the Pearl Harbor attacks and the end of the war in September 1945. These men and women came to be known as The Greatest Generation, and are fast disappearing. We recently lost two stalwarts, Bob Dole who served with the 10th Mountain Division in Italy, and Ed Shames of Easy Company, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, the “Band of Brothers”.
Sixty years later, the country again came under attack, when terrorists hijacked planes and flew them into the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001. The first responders and military responded in the same way they did at Pearl Harbor. Again, millions of Americans rose to defend their country, serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, just as they did during World War II.
On days like today, we realize how lucky we are to live in a country where so many are willing to step forward and defend their fellow citizens during times of war and conflict. They will risk their lives to protect and defend our families.
We at Homes For Our Troops recognize the courage of these men and women, which is why our organization exists – to ensure those severely injured in the Iraq and Afghanistan theaters are cared for when they come home. We honor all Service members’ past, present, and future, for putting their lives on the line so we can continue to enjoy the freedoms of this great country.