I was a young 9-year-old, living in rural Franklinton, no radio, no electricity and no daily newspaper. The attack occurred on Sunday morning Dec. 7, 1941. The Japanese did a sneak attack on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, where part of the United States’ fleet of ships and planes was docked.

I knew nothing of the attack until I arrived at school Monday, Dec. 8, 1941. The principal of Washington Parish Training School assembled all students and teachers and reported the news of the attack. He spoke to us candidly about how young men ages 18-35 would likely be drafted by the military to be trained as soldiers to help defend our country from any further attacks by the Japanese or any other enemies. A radio was turned on and we listened to the president of the U.S., Franklin D. Roosevelt, make a speech declaring war on the Japanese Empire. Excerpts from his speech:

“Sunday, Dec. 7, 1941, a date which will live in infamy.”

Much of what the president said was not very clever to this 9-year-old. Our school had completed its football season losing only one game, but would not have another team until 1950. Boys large enough and of age were sent to military bases and trained to fight. Many young men had never been away from the Franklinton area, but were eager to join the Army and fight for the country. Some made false statements about their age so they could join the Armed Forces. There would be many changes in the way people lived during these years following the attack on Pearl Harbor.

This period of time made all American citizens more loyal and patriotic to America than at any other time. automobile manufacturers were asked to produce and build military supplies: trucks, tanks and whatever was needed for the war. There were no new cars built until the war ended in 1945. Men went off to war and ladies worked in factories. The president asked American citizens to save old iron to help build weapons.

There was a ration system set up for people on the “Home Front.” Sugar, gasoline, cigarettes and many food items could only be purchased at special times and in limited amounts. “Black-outs” were conducted. After certain hours no electricity would be turned on: Why? This would prevent the enemy from spotting an area from the air. Large crowds were limited, no large crowds at football games, etc. The Washington Parish Fair was cancelled for three years during the war. Women were the primary employees while the men were away.

“God Bless America” had been sung a little, but during those war years it became a household song. Sometime during those years we bought a battery-powered radio and would listen to a program called “Voice of America.” At the end of the broadcast, Kate Smith would sing “God Bless America.” Bing Crosby recorded “White Christmas” and the nation loved those songs. Those songs were also sent overseas to keep the soldiers’ morale up. Everyone dreamed of a white Christmas and that God would bless America to be victorious.

The cry was “Remember Pearl Harbor,” and “Go on to victory” was one of the expressions used by faithful Americans. There have been many “what if’s” since the attack on Pearl Harbor. What if the Japanese had not turned around after bombing Pearl Harbor? What if Dorus Miller, an African-American, hadn’t shot down those two Japanese planes? We will never know. There are some things for sure: The United States of America can overcome any disaster and go on to victory. Pearl Harbor is proof that.

It is estimated that 2,400 American soldiers and sailors died during that infamous attack on Pearl Harbor. Many mothers wept for their sons and wives for their husbands, but they believed that America would win; we did. People of America, people of Washington Parish: Let’s not forget Pearl Harbor. Let’s not forget those brave men from Washington Parish who all gave some, and those who gave all: Vernon Brumfield, Ollie Burris, Lemone Otis, Ellis Dillon. The numbers of those who served in what they simply called “The War” are dwindling as old age now takes the generation that triumphed over the Axis powers of Germany, Japan and Italy.

The United States Congress enacted a piece of legislation, the GI Bill of Rights, giving all veterans an opportunity to complete their education, paid by the government. I label this as the greatest work ever by the U.S., because I too benefited from it as a Korean War veteran. I grew up during the “Great Depression” years when there was little or nothing: 1930s through 1945 and 1950s. The Korean War allowed me to serve my country honorably and receive a college education, paid by the GI Bill of Rights. I’m proud of having served the greatest country in the world. Some good does come from war.

Surely there are those who never served in the military for whatever reasons, but you kept us in your prayers, dreams and hearts and waited for our return. You served too. They also serve who only stand and wait. Historians state that the bombing of Pearl Harbor and the signing of Jackie Robinson by the Brooklyn Dodgers, the first African-American to play Major League baseball, impacted our country more than any other occurrences. We were never the same. Was this God’s will? I know not.

Remember Pearl Harbor, Vietnam, Korea and all the other war we Americans have fought and are still fighting bravely. Teach your children that freedom comes at an expensive price. Tell them to honor and respect all veterans who paid a tremendous price. Respect our American flag; it is the symbol of the greatest country on Earth. God bless you; God bless America.