Today was the 70th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the event which led to the United States entering into World War II. Every year Pearl Harbor Day is observed in Hawaii, but the 70th anniversary was a day of special ceremonies commemorating the dead and the handful of remaining survivors, all old men now, in their late eighties and early nineties.

My daughter and son-in-law were privileged to attend the early morning ceremony. They’ve put together a blog in words and images, capturing the mood of the day:

Seventy years ago, a quiet winter morning much like today’s hung over Pearl Harbor. War had been ongoing in the Pacific since 1937, and in Europe since 1939. Despite the surrounding conflict, the United States and its citizens sought neutrality; war had yet to reach our shores, and there was no desire or expectation of involvement in any of the conflicts.

Find the full post and photos here.