Remembering "a date which will live in infamy"

Seventy years ago on this day, more than 2,400 American men were killed and over 1,200 wounded in the surprise attack  on Pearl Harbor.  We've all read the history of that day that propelled us into the midst of the great World War, but the number of men who are still alive is fast dwindling.  According the the World War II museum website, the VA estimates that the WWII vets are dying at a rate of 740 a day. That's astounding to me.

On my drive in to work today, I was listening to a story about the gathering of vets at Pearl Harbor to commemorate the 70th anniversary.  I started to think about my grandfather who died this year and how, even though he told us many stories, I wish I had asked him more.  I wish I had written them down.  I wish I had recorded them on tape before his stroke. 

I've been writing about an oral history project for one of my graduate classes and listening to the interview has reminded me of the value that our older generation brings to our society.  I've always loved "old people", probably because I had the good fortune of having close relationships with all 4 of my grandparents until they began to die in my early 30's.  I wish I had them now as I grow older to recount their history and experiences .  They were all 40 before and I think their insights would make my road less rocky.  It's too bad we don't often fully realize when we're in our 20's the value older generations bring to us.

The interview I've studied is with a prominent woman from our region who did great things in her lifetime.   Fortunately, her story was recorded many times through various oral history projects before she died at age 93.  Our region is richer because we have her personal narratives archived for future generations to use to learn about life here in decades past.  I thought about the Pearl Harbor vets this morning and that most of them have to be around 90 years old.  Soon, they will die and take it all with them.  I know our country has done a good job of documenting the memories and remembering the sacrifices, but the real, live men will be gone soon. I think that's a travesty.