Dear William, Daniel, Catherine, (and Michael & Baby Girl Y) (and your parents), (and any future descendants and their parents),

In school you will learn about different events in history — we already discussed some of them: September 11, 2001 — the day that the World Trade Center Towers fell; November 11, 1918 – the day that the agreement that ended World War I was signed (hostilities were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918); July 14, 1789 – Bastille Day; 1410 – the Battle of Grunwald.

December 7, 1941, is “a date which will live in infamy” — it is the day that Japan attacked the U.S. Navy base in Pearl Harbor.

The USS Arizona, at Perl Harbor, on December 7, 1941

The surprise attack on Pearl Harbor brought the United States into World War II — some believe that the U.S. entry in World War II was good because it helped defeat the forces of evil; however, you should always remember that many people, innocent, good people died that day, and during the days that followed that horrible event.

When you study history, make sure you understand the events that precede any particular date; understand what lead up to the historic event, and the consequences that followed that event. If you understand history, you may be able to avoid future disasters, and you may be able to lead a more peaceful and prosperous life — a happy life, filled with love and understanding.

Tora! Tora! Tora! (1970 movie)

There is a movie about the events surrounding December 7, 1941 — it is called “Tora! Tora! Tora!” it is a dramatization of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and the series of American blunders that allowed it to happen. The title is the Japanese code-word used to indicate that a complete surprise was achieved. It literally means “Tiger, Tiger, Tiger”. I have seen this movie several times, and I enjoy it every time I see it — not that I enjoy war, but I do enjoy the depiction of dramatic human events, and how those events are captured in our imaginations; in our history.

Love,

Dziadziuś Paweł.

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