A Day That Will Live in Infamy

Today is December 7th. That date was always an interesting item - when we were in school we learned about how the Japanese attacked the United States on that date and then WW II started for our country. And of course with movies like "Tora Tora Tora" and "Pearl Harbor" we saw Hollywood's versions about that part of our history.

But as we learned with our trip to Normandy for the anniversary of D-Day, when you're actually here and see in person where the history took place, you get a whole new perspective. And then there are the people you meet who lived through it......if you've had a similar experience you understand what we felt today. We had the honor to be a part of the ceremony at the Pacific Aviation Museum re-dedicating the control tower as it has completed stage 1 of its renovation. This is the tower from which the first warning was broadcast that Pearl Harbor was under attack, and that it was no drill!

Ford Island Naval Air Station Tower

High ranking Navy officers, Hawaii's Lieutenant Governor (the governor was on the mainland) and other dignitaries spoke, there was a fly-over of a WW II vintage fighter, and we played several numbers, including providing the National Anthem (with our own Nancy Crumback singing and leading the audience.) A great experience.

But it was at our concert there in the afternoon that really made it all hit home. Attending the activities there today was an 87 year old gentleman named George Bennett - sharply dressed in his Navy Whites. George was there that day, and because he dove for cover a split second before the Japanese fighter's machine guns hit where he had been standing, he was here today. Nancy DeWeerdt heard about him, approached him, and invited him to join our Legion Color Guard for the two pieces they do with us that salute the branches of the armed forces.

We had a lot of band members (and a conductor) so choked up by the sight of this man standing tall and saluting the flag that it was really difficult to get through the music. (We managed, but it wasn't easy.) When you're in the presence of veterans - especially the few remaining ones from WW II who still stand tall and proud of their service to this country - well, that's what days like today are all about. Honoring those that served, remembering those that sacrificed.



And speaking of those that sacrificed, that's our focus for tomorrow - our visit to "Punchbowl" (National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.) Flag raising ceremony at 8:00, playing for the American Legion National Commander as he places a wreath at the monument, and then doing a concert at 10:00. We also plan to place flowers to honor the West Michigan service men & women listed there who served in WW II, Korea, and Viet Nam. 

This has really been an amazingly wonderful trip. I'm really proud of how great the band has played, and without losing sight of our real mission here, we're still managing to have some fun as a group. And as a group, I mean the band, family members, and extended family members (those officially designated as our "tag-along" group, but who are in reality just part of us.) Those who are not actually performing have been amazingly supportive, and with us every step of the way. We can't thank them enough! 

More tomorrow.