I had the opportunity to visit the Pearl Harbor Memorial and I can only say that the feeling, the emotion was different than any other similar site I have seen. I don't know how to explain the different feeling from Valley Forge, the Alamo or Civil War sites I have visited but it was different. Looking down and seeing what remains of the USS Arizona and knowing what's below. To see the iridescent colors on the water as oil continues to rise to the surface. We have all seen Hollywood's version and old news clips but onsite is way different. Viewing and hearing the words in the many displays and the narratives describing the events of that day brings a different view into focus.
I wish I could remember the exact words spoken in one of the narratives but it made reference that the attack changed the face of war. As I heard that message I could not help to think that the face of war has again changed. It is not so much an attack against a different nation's military as it is attacks against a different nation's civilians. The civilians that are least able to defend themselves.
Let us hope that the world leaders recognize this changing face of war.
Kent Rees
Emily
