A Simple Plea: On this day we acknowledge the attack on Pearl Harbor Dec. 7, 1941, and the subsequent amazing reaction from the citizens of the United States of America.

Could we please consider using this day as an inspiration to honor and emulate the character and collective contributions of the Greatest Generation (our parents and grandparents) by making our own much simpler, life-saving sacrifices in behalf of ourselves and for all the citizens of this great nation.

Let's honor our past by securing a future for our children, ourselves and all whom we love and admire.

Our simple individual gestures during this time, aimed toward stopping the invisible enemy in its tracks, could bring both monumental, life-saving results and a sense of lasting pride that we---like those who came before us---stepped up to the plate and did our part for the good of the nation and humanity.

Thank you.

Uniting the States: America’s Reaction to Pearl Harbor

Events like the attack on the World Trade Center in 2001 have proven that in times of turmoil, citizens of the United States will band together for the good of the nation. While there are multiple instances throughout America’s history, the American reaction to Pearl Harbor after the attack on December 7th, 1941 is often cited as the greatest instance of the country coming together against a common enemy.

After Japan’s fighters flew in and caused a devastating amount of damage and destruction, the nation launched into a war campaign that nearly everyone originally seemed to be against. The declaration of war against Japan on December 8th wasn’t a question – it was expected, and much of the country was willing to get behind it and provide whatever service was needed.

Unlike conflicts like the Vietnam War, where many Americans were doing everything they could – including fleeing the country – to avoid taking part, after the attack on Pearl Harbor American men embraced the draft. In the United States government, a body that rarely seems to work together, the votes in the Senate and House were a landslide in favor of going to war, with only one Representative voting against.

The Public and War

After President Roosevelt addressed the nation after the attack on Pearl Harbor, those who once opposed the conflict were gearing up to serve in any number of ways. For those unable to serve overseas, it was about filling vacancies left by those that could. War bonds became popular gifts and those who could afford it, like New York Yankee George Herman “Babe” Ruth Jr., purchased the yearly maximum allowance.

Women stepped up from their roles as housewives to work in factories, ensuring that local industries and wartime efforts weren’t slowed by the over 1.8 million men who were in either the Army, Navy, or Marines by the end of 1941. By the end of 1942, that number more than doubled, hitting 3.9 million in service and, by 1943, almost tripled to 9.1 million. 38% of them were volunteers, meaning that, in 1943, over 3 million American servicemen overseas were volunteering their service.

---from Pearl Harbor Visitors' Bureau

~~~~~

from CNN, an Op Ed.

https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/06/health/coronavirus-us-patient-vaccine-rescue-gupta/index.html

. . . . Our human spirit has made us innovative, creative, resourceful and tenacious enough to see this dream of a vaccine bear fruit.

But it's our human behavior and biological reflexes that will dictate how deep our wounds ultimately go. No amount of science can rescue us from ourselves.

I can only hope that this country's self-preservation instinct kicks in soon, and long enough, to get as many of us over the finish line as possible.

---Dr. Sanjay Gupta

If you don't read anything else today, I urge you to read the piece by a resident in an assisted care facility, which my friend Connie included in her latest blog post.

This first-person account is riveting, enlightening and a painful reminder of the human toll this Pandemic era has universally inflicted besides its mere statistics.

https://retiredmtnlady.blogspot.com/

It was a day for the birds yesterday at the Lovestead. I try to keep birds happy every day, especially during the winter.

I think some of the birds that show up at our feeders have gotten to know me because they sure aren't shy when I come around.

Several times, I've walked out of our sliding glass door, where there's a feeder, to feel the flutter and sometimes the actual light touch of birds diving in and out for their next sunflower seed.

It's a great feeling knowing that they, too, feel at home like our other beloveds.

In the happy department, Willie and Debbie, Todd, Brooke and Joe get to move back home this week.

Yesterday I went over to the Colburn ranch where my sisters took me on a tour of our son and daughter-in-law's newly restored home.

Once the cleaning lady comes, tidies it up and sanitizes it, the Young Loves can come back home.

Northwest Flood and Fire did a beautiful job on the restoration after the house caught on fire and partially burned back in May.

I remember so vividly on that evening, as firefighters were still putting out the blaze, when Willie calmly announced that "2020 isn't a good year."

May they see a little enjoyment in what's left of this year when they move home. It's been a long haul for them, moving 3-4 times while waiting for the restoration to be completed.

Judy and Chris Thompson, the Thompson clan and Jennifer Leedy added to their already beautiful angel wings by seeing that they and the dogs had temporary homes for the past six-plus months.

Great examples among the many who have made such positive differences for those in need this year.

Thank you, Judy, Chris, Thompson family and Jennifer.

Welcome home, Willie and Debbie and pups.