On this day in 1941 the United States' naval base in Hawaii was attacked by the Imperial Japan Navy using ships, aircraft, and submarines. It was the catalyst that launched the United States into World War Two. Before this time, much of the country was determined to remain neutral in what seemed like a far off war in Europe. Even though many saw the immoral vision of Hitler was trying to impose, the "live and let live" philosophy seemed to rule the pre-war years. The attack became a rallying cry that can still be heard today.

It is 66 years later, and now Japan and Germany are good allies. I know of no one who still holds a grudge again the former enemies or the people within the countries. As someone who has visited the Arizona Memorial quite a few times, I can say it is an almost holy occasion to visit the site of the attack and peer into the water where so many sailors and marines died. It is amazing to talk with the other visitors of the site, who come from all different countries and make up all ethnic groups.

Today it seems the xenophobic days of the pre-war era are returning. Before the Second World War, many were still remember the awful Great War, in which millions were killed. They did not want a repeat, which is certainly understandable. Now, with the deaths of many outstanding young Americans in Iraq and Afghanistan, it seems to be time to go back to an era of letting the world take care of its own business, while we sit on the sidelines. But, let me urge everyone to remember what happened after the war. The United States enjoyed peace for many years; the economy grew enormously; and countries that had been our adversaries quickly became friends.

Sit tight America; we will have peace again. History has shown us that the best is yet to come.

TCS