December 7, 2012 - December 7, 1941, 71 years ago, I remember the day well. Of all the important days to remember, this is the most vivid in my mind. I was 9 years old, along with my Mom and Dad we were visiting my brother who was in college in Greencastle, Indiana, at DePauw University.
I remember well the Delta Tau Delta Fraternity house where he lived, a huge living room, filled with leather sofas and chairs, all filled by students and relatives who had just finished a delicious lunch in the large downstairs dining room. I was the exception. I was having an allergy attack from eating too many warm Parker House rolls prepared by the kitchen staff. I was allergic to eggs, and those rolls had an abundance of them. So I was stretched out on one of the coaches, being still.
Then, we realized what was coming over the radio, Pearl Harbor had been attacked by the Japanese. Even at 9, I think I realized the gravity of the situation from the looks and glances that were being exchanged around the room. There was a knowing hush of young men who knew this was a life changing event. I think they all knew that somehow, their lives were being altered. There was no laughter and there were no smiles.
I remember the look on my Dad's face, he had served in WWI, and knew the consequences of war. He had heard his Dad talk about the Civil War in which he had served. So war had affected his family, and now we were entering into another one which would affect his children. He was brought to tears, knowing what was ahead for everyone in the room.
I remember driving home that afternoon, not a word was spoken in the car.
I have heard little to nothing this morning on TV or the radio in the car when I took my wife to work ... December 7, ".................... a day that will live in infamy," as FDR said. But it looks like it is being forgotten, but I will never forget the day, December 7, 1941.
