The insidious attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, from the Japanese government while its official were visiting in Washington DC, will never be forgotten. It was a shock in many ways. America was simply stunned by the duplicity as well as by the occurence of the event. Pearl Harbor, like the World Trade Center 60 years later, was totally unprepared for bombing attacks.

After the Pearl Harbor attack, US President Franklin D. Roosevelt asked Congress to declare war immediately. He did not call the names of Europe or of Germany in his request, but used his demand for war to work up to entering World War II full on.

After September 11, 2001 the Presidential reaction of George W. Bush was different. War was not declared until March, 2003, some 18 months later and some say, agaisnt the wrong foe.

The War in Iraq has remained long-term and controversial.

Presidential quotes then and now:

Yesterday, December 7th, 1941 — a date which will live in infamy — the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.

The United States was at peace with that nation and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its government and its emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific.

... I believe that I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost, but will make it very certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger us....

See: The Pearl Harbor Speech   - Franklin Delano Roosevelt

On September 11 2001, America felt its vulnerability even to threats that gather on the other side of the Earth. We resolved then, and we are resolved today, to confront every threat from any source that could bring sudden terror and suffering to America.

- George Walker Bush 

I remember this day, because it is the last day that I ever incurred a migraine headache, having been free from them for nearly a decade previously.

Speaking with my employer before 8:00 AM, I returned to sleep, waking at 3:00 PM without pain or nausea. I dressed and left home to go to a small market nearby. The street was unusually deserted that day, normally filled with high school youth at that hour.

As I entered the store, I heard the urgent voices of reporters on a radio located near the front door. Two clerks looked frantic. I asked what had happened and one simply shouted, "We're at war!" I was startled.

In truth, it would be 18 months before declared war. I often wondered, Why so long -- if it needs to occur?

Returning home, I switched on the TV to view the repeated reports of the visual atrocity of the World Trade Center bombings, complete with non-bleeped profanity that drove home the urgency and shock of the situation.

Between 4:00 and 6:00 PM, the local news filled with stories of the reactions of local viewing area residents --

A woman in her 40s living in one of the richer neighborhoods knew no one in the Trade Center Bombings, but suffered a nervous breakdown and was hospitalized in the psych department of a local hospital. Other individuals became convinced that the terrorists were coming for them next.

No activites or events were cancelled in our town, the rationale being that the WTC bombings meant to stop and limit our usual activities. Still, some individals suffered panic attacks that prevented them from leaving their homes, while others used the disaster as an excuse to miss shool, work, and volunteer commitments. it was all to be expected.

From my own perspective, I found that the WTC Attacks caused me to focus more determinedly on issues that have drawn my attention and volunteerism - programs to prevent abuse and violence, anti-bullying, equal rights, and health topics, along with church related support in Sudan.

I will not forget 9/11 and will not forget Pearl Harbor, though that was before my time. If we forget, we may more easily allow them to recur.

The newest ship called USS New York was built from 7+ tons of metal left by the destruction of the World Trade Centers on 9/11. It is a warship. Brilliant in design and capability though it is, some would prefer a more peaceful use of the metal. Still, it is a huge achievement, built in Louisiana, even through Hurricane Katrina. Workers stopped during the worst part of the disaster and returned to work as soon as humanly possible. This speaks to the determination of Americans not to be held back by attack and disaster.

The great warship/movable docking platform sailed into the harbor at New York City on November 2, 2009. She became an official military unit and ship of the United States Navy at formal commissioning on November 7.

This version of the USS New York will be on display until the end of Veteran's Day, November 11, 2009 at Pier 88 at the intersection of Manhattan's 12th Ave. and W. 48th St. Visitors must show a photo ID in order to tour the new vessel.

One day after military retirement, I hope she can be turned into a hospital ship.

Never forget.