Memorial Day

USS Arizona on December 7, 1941: "Pearl Harbor Raid"

Her forward magazines exploded when she was hit by a Japanese bomb. She began to burn furiously and eventually sunk in Pearl Harbor. 1,177 of the crew died on the ship.

On this Memorial Day, I remember my Uncle Howard or "Smitty" as he was known by all. He served in the Navy for 20 years and was thought to be on the Arizona on that frightful December morning. My Grandma, his mother, did not know if he was dead or alive for 6 LONG weeks. She wrote Washington D.C. to receive a letter back that he was not listed among the dead. Still, she didn't know.

Much to everyone's relief, he had been transferred to the Carolina and was alive and well.

My uncle died when I was 8 years old on December 18th. He is suvived by his wife, a daughter, two sisters and many more family whom I couldn't possibly list them all here. I am proud that he served our country and fought for our freedom that we enjoy today. "Thank You, Uncle Howard."

To my personal friends who have been deployed to Iraq - Thank You! Steve and Adam! You and your families have made huge sacrifices for me - for my family.

On this Memorial Day, I lift up US Soldiers and their families in prayer. Not all were as fortunate as my Uncle. I lift their families up in prayer.

GOD BLESS THE USA!