Day forever in infamy

I read the article about the coming events planned for the anniversary of Pearl Harbor. I believe the powers that be have missed the point.

This day is in honor of Pearl Harbor and the many service members who were there that day. It is not a day or week to further the commercial aspect of bringing more money into the city or state or to focus on all of World War II. Please don’t commercialize this day or lump it into all the battlefields of World War II.

Every state holds ceremonies to reflect on this date in history. Many honor their native sons and daughters who were there. It is a date that has reflected military decisions made from that point on. Arkansas once had a Pearl Harbor Survivors Association with two state chapters. All states had them and belonged to the national association. Their members gave talks to schools and civic organizations, handed out flags, and taught children to respect the flag and what it stands for. On Dec. 7 there was a float parade and every branch of service cast a wreath into the Arkansas River. Now there are very few left to relate firsthand any part of this significant date in history or to tell their personal stories.

Survivors and their families have held this date in special reverence. The motto “Be Prepared … Remember Pearl Harbor” was drilled in their heads. I know—my father was a Pearl Harbor survivor and my mother served in the Navy as well.

Let’s keep this date etched in history and leave the money-hungry commercialism out of it. MARY BUTKIEWICZ SHERE

Little Rock