Capitol Monitor ....
Congressman J. Randy Forbes, Fourth District of Virginia 

December 12, 2006

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In this Issue

 1. 7:55 a.m.

2. Iraq Study Group Report Released

 

 

:: 7:55 a.m. ::

Sunday morning at the naval base was business as usual. Sunday services had been planned, mess halls were prepared for the breakfast crowd, and the flag was being hoisted by the color guard. At the Naval Command Center on Ford Island, Commander Logan Ramsey watched the color guard as they performed their duty. At that moment, he peered out of his window to see an unusually low-flying plane soaring by. “A young reckless pilot,” he thought idly to himself. It wasn’t but seconds later that Commander Ramsey noticed something dark drop suddenly from the bottom of that plane. Recognizing the dark object as a bomb and realizing what was happening, Commander Ramsey rushed to the telegraph operators. “Send this message to all radiomen on duty at every ship on every base,” he commanded urgently. The message rang out loudly:

“AIR RAID ON PEARL HARBOR. THIS IS NOT A DRILL.”

It was 7:55 a.m.

One of the most brutal attacks on our country is remembered through history books, photos, commentary, and even film. But 65 years have passed since the Japanese Navy attacked Pearl Harbor, and there are few people alive today that remember first-hand the feelings that swept the island of Oahu, Hawaii at exactly 7:55 a.m. on December 7, 1941.

Thursday, December 7, 2006, marked the 65th Anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. All over the United States, Pearl Harbor survivors and their families gathered to remember their fallen comrades who were there with them on the island of Oahu on that fateful day. This year, forty-nine survivors gathered with their families for a formal service at Churchland High School at 7:55 Pearl Harbor time to remember their experience. They shared stories and paid tribute to the fallen servicemen and civilians.

As time passes, it is more and more difficult to hear first-hand accounts from people who experienced these historical events in our country. Even Pearl Harbor survivors who have gathered every five years on December 7 at Pearl Harbor met for their final roll call this year as the end of their generation fades away. Stories from historical events such as Pearl Harbor that were once shared person-to-person are too often consigned to a brief section in a history book or marked on the yearly calendar.

However, as American citizens, it is our privilege to remember those who lived these historical moments that form the story of our nation. It is our privilege to celebrate their patriotism and willingness to serve and sacrifice for our country. Whether it is by inviting a veteran to speak to a high school history class, using the Veteran’s History Project to record personal accounts, or simply spending a little extra time telling our children the details of these recognized days, it is important to show appreciation to those who have served our country by listening and telling stories.

As the anniversary of historical milestones like Pearl Harbor pass by, let them be more than just a day marked on the calendar. Let us join the heroes of Pearl Harbor and step back to remember the fallen through their stories and in the valued memories of their families. Let us take the time to listen and share the individual stories. So that when someone asks us, we can say “Let me tell you the story of this Pearl Harbor hero I once met. He was there. He lived it.” And maybe, just maybe, we will never have to live it again.

:: Iraq Study Group Report Released ::

The Iraq Study Group Report was issued last Wednesday by a bipartisan panel headed by former Secretary of State James Baker III and former Democratic Representative Lee Hamilton. The panel offers 79 specific recommendations for changes in U.S. policy across the Middle East as part of an effort to stabilize Iraq.

To read the full report, click here.

 

ON THE HILL ....

Current Floor Proceedings

Bills Coming Up This Week

Monthly Whip Calendar

OFFICE LOCATIONS ....

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202.225.6365

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Chesapeake, VA 23320
757.382.0080

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Colonial Heights, VA 23834
804.526.4969

425 H. South Main Street
Emporia, VA 23847
434.634.5575

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