Remember Pearl Harbor

This is dedicated to "all" veterans who have first hand seen and know the tremendous cost of freedom we have paid in all of our wars for the cost of freedom.
Sixty-eight years ago on the morning of Dec. 7, the sky over Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, was filled with Japanese planes.
When the last wave of attacking aircraft rejoined the Japanese fleet, there were 2,395 military, including 54 civilians killed and 1,158 wounded, including the military and 35 civilians.
They sunk 12 ships and damaged six others. The aircraft destroyed was 164, and 159 were damaged. Such a great portion of the U.S. Pacific fleet was in shambles.
Thus began America's entry in to World War II that changed the world. The United States returned from World War II as the world's greatest military and economic power and a symbol of freedom and liberty for all.
But today we are here to pay homage to those who paid the price for America's greatness.
On that fateful morning at Pearl Harbor, men were killed as they ran to man their battle stations and we, across our nation, listened in horror as the radio announced the destruction and death of our fellow men.
So, as we gather to remember those lost on this anniversary of Pearl Harbor, it is time to say "thank you" to all that paid the price so that we might stand here today and enjoy our freedom.
In recent years, the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial in Hawaii has come to represent all the military that were killed at Pearl Harbor.
As living veterans of foreign wars, you all have paid a price to enjoy freedoms today.
May we recall their sacrifices and yours, their bravery and yours and their commitment and yours.
But may we also join in our joy for having served the greatest nation on the face of the earth.
For all who have served, all who have suffered and all who have died, join me in saying: May Almighty God bless them and may God bless America. May she always be, "the land of the free and the home of the brave." Thank you.
Suzanne Krueger
Lake Placid