It was sixty-eight years ago today that the Greatest Generation experienced the attack on Pearl Harbor. The attack would become one of the most defining moments in our nation’s history.  More than 2,400 Americans died that day - a day that President Roosevelt said would “live in infamy.” 

And the memory of the day does live on. But as time passes, it is becoming more unusual to hear first-hand accounts from individuals who lived through the experience if Pearl Harbor. Today even the youngest veterans of World War II are in their 80s and 90s. Pearl Harbor survivors admit they are struggling to keep the memories alive. 

As American citizens, it is our privilege to remember those who lived these historical moments that form the chapters of our nation’s story. It is our privilege to celebrate their patriotism and willingness to serve and sacrifice for our country. And as the Greatest Generation begins to leave us and slowly close the pages on that chapter in our nation’s history, it is our responsibility to see that the memories of that day live on. I encourage you to take a look at storytelling sites like the Veterans History Project that capture the stories of America’s heroes through memoirs, artifacts, videos, and letters. Read historical documents and see photographs from the Library of Congress website. Or view a photographic journal of the day on the Naval History and Heritage site. 

Our generations have an opportunity to make historical days like Pearl Harbor more than just a day marked on the calendar. Let us 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 of our own loved ones from the Greatest Generation.  

To the heroes of Pearl Harbor that are still among us, thank you for your service and may God bless and protect you always.

“What makes a nation’s pillars high
And its foundations strong?
What makes it might to defy
The foes that round it throng?

It is not gold. Its kingdoms grand
Go down in battle shock;
Its shafts are laid on sinking sand,
Not on abiding rock.

Is it the sword? Ask the red dust
Of empires passed away;
The blood has turned their stones to rust,
Their glory to decay.

And is it pride? Ah, the bright crown
Has seemed to nations sweet;
But God has struck its luster down
In ashes at his feet.

Not gold but only men can make
A people great and strong;
Men who for truth and honor’s sake
Stand fast and suffer long.

Brave men who work while others sleep,
Who dare while others fly—
They build a nation’s pillars deep
And lift them to the sky."

- Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803 - 1882)

Although the setting changes and our challenges may be different, one thing that remains constant throughout our history is the willingness of brave men and women to serve courageously in the face of conflict. From the rolling grassland of Gettysburg, to the beaches of Normandy, to the jungles of Vietnam, to the deserts of the Middle East, there are stories of physical hardship, camaraderie, sacrifice, surrender, peace, bravery, loyalty and pain. 

Each veteran has his or her own unique story, built not out of a formal history book, but out of a rich trove of personal experience and memories. Just as Ralph Waldo Emerson so eloquently describes in his poem, our nation’s strength is not found in monuments or documents, but rather it is built on foundations of faith, freedom, liberty, and in the unwavering belief of men and women in their country.

This Veteran’s Day we proudly honor the “Brave men who work while others sleep, who dare while others fly—they build a nation’s pillars deep and lift them to the sky.”

Today, I had the privilege to present several military medals to Mr. James Hornshaw of Chesapeake for his service in the United States Navy during World War II and Korea.  

One of my favorite opportunities as a Member of Congress is getting to participate in ceremonies such as these. Were it not for the sacrifice of Mr. Hornshaw and others who have bravely answered the call of duty to serve our nation, we would not be able to celebrate the freedoms we enjoy today.   

President John F. Kennedy once said that “a nation reveals itself not only by the men it produces, but also by the men it honors, the men it remembers.” As we approach Veterans Day next week, it is our privilege as a nation to continually honor our nation’s finest men and women in uniform.

After his son was killed in Fallujah, Iraq, a Chesapeake father named George Lutz noticed a commonality among fellow families of fallen soldiers – a desire to know that our nation would never forget their family member’s sacrifice. That led George to consider creating a universal symbol to recognize those who lost their lives in service to our nation. Up until now, there has never been an official national symbol that collectively recognizes the sacrifice made by members of the Armed Forces. 

So George designed the flag in honor of those who – like  his son – never made it home. And he came to Congress requesting a resolution to make the flag an official national symbol.  

Earlier this year, I introduced H.R. 1034, to recognize the Honor and Remember Flag as an official national symbol and tribute to those members of the Armed Forces who lost their lives while serving our nation.  The bill was originally introduced by my colleague, former Congresswoman Thelma Drake, in the 110^th Congress as H.R. 7111. 

Last week, I was glad to learn that H.R. 1034 has received the support of the largest military officer’s association in the country, the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA). The President of MOAA said in his letter to me something so appropriate and so true: “this flag would provide a fitting symbol of remembrance for those who gave, as President Lincoln said so eloquently, 'the last full measure of devotion' for their country.” 

 To read more about the design of the flag, visit http://www.honorandremember.org/.