Historic lessons ring true today

  • Published
  • By Col. Steven Harrison
  • 436th AW commander
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Today marks the 66th anniversary of a day that former President Franklin D. Roosevelt described as a "date which will live in infamy."

That quiet peaceful morning in Pearl Harbor was shattered by the din of attacking Japanese Naval and Air Forces. The Pearl Harbor attack was the springboard that launched our nation into World War II. Thousands of Americans were killed or wounded that morning, and hundreds of thousands more would go on to fight protecting our values and defending our country and allies in the face of unprovoked aggression from the axis powers.

While there were warning signs, even as late as minutes prior to the actual attack, most had dismissed the thought that such a brazen attack could occur. Pearl Harbor survivors would say that they were stunned...some had initially believed that it was an exercise...others like the Sailors and Marines on-board the USS Arizona had little time to react. It was a Sunday, and most of the victims and witnesses to the tragedy were going about their normal lives when the attack occurred.

Sixty-six years later we are actively engaged in the Global War on Terrorism for a similar reason ... unprovoked aggression ... from an enemy unconfined by borders and determined to destroy all that we stand for. Many of us have deployed, are deployed, or will soon deploy, and our calls to duty are the same values and freedoms our military has preserved since they were first expressed in the Declaration of Independence.

While the methods employed by our adversaries may have changed over time, our generation's commitment to preserving our values and way of life remains true to that of those who have gone before us.

No one has a greater role to play in securing victory then the men and women of Team Dover. As the holiday season approaches, we all have so much to be thankful for, not the least of which is Team Dover's selfless continuance of those traditions of service and sacrifice for which America's military is renowned.

A heritage of proud service - another reason Team Dover is "America's Preeminent Expeditionary Airlift Team"!