To those who were adults on December 7, 1941, or who grew up in the shadow of this date, leaving it behind is impossible. 73 years ago, today, Pearl Harbor went up in smoke.

"On this date 73 years ago someone in your family was affected for the rest of their life."

We memorialized this to remember those killed, so as not to forget things change on moment's notice, and because it proved we're never really safe. 9/11 showed this as fact.

I've stood on the memorial looking down at a sunken Arizona, and peered at Pearl Harbor and Hickam Air Force Base buildings with bullet holes from the attack - which remain today.

I lived in Aiea, HI, in a house where my porch overlooked the harbor. My image of it under attack, as on December 7, 1941 will not go away: And I'd like to get you to think about it - just for a moment. Perhaps right now.

On this date 73 years ago someone in your family was affected for the rest of their life. Though you may not give it thought anymore, so were you.

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