On this day

Today marks 76 years since Japan launched a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. 76 Years ago, the USS Ward fired the opening shots sinking a Japanese Midget submarine about one hour before the attacks began. Three Years later, to the day, the USS Ward was sunk by a kamikaze off Leyte in the Philippines.  While a tragic loss, the Ward went down with only one crew member injured, an heroic feat given the devastation that occurred.
The Ward was originally commissioned in 1918, but decommissioned in 1921. in January 1941, she was recommissioned as the United States prepared for the inevitability of War. The Ward was later reclassified as a high speed transport. By then, our industry was cranking out more modern ships, and during the war years over 300 ships of newer designs were built. When the Ward was reclassified, it's number 3 gun was removed. It is, today, part of a memorial in  St. Paul Minnesota. It was crewed on December 7th 1941 by men from the Minnesota Naval Reserve.
The heroes of 1941 have nearly all passed into history. We as individuals, and as a nation need to remember their bravery and sacrifice. We are the last bastion of freedom. If you think socialism is great, please go some where it is practiced and live. Then tell me how great it is. Despotism of all kinds has existed as long as men have kept records. Freedom isn't free.