When America is attacked

U.S.S. Arizona, Dec. 7, 1941, Pearl Harbor, 5 x 7 watercolor

Have you thought about what happens when America is attacked?

Eighty-years ago today, a divided nation united when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. Four years later, two powerful foes were defeated in the world's deadliest war.

In April, 1861, a divided nation was attacked by South Carolina extremists, plunging a divided nation into our most deadly war, but eventually uniting the country. Before that tragedy, when referred to, the United States was always followed by a plural noun, "The  United States are." After that war, it's always been "the United States is." 

On 911, 2001, the United States was attacked by Muslim terrorists. The country united, and the world was on our side. Part of what followed was America's longest war, ending only this year.

On Jan. 6, 2021, domestic terrorists attacked the United States, threatening the lives of our elected officials in a coup attempt to overturn the U.S. Constitution. The last time the Capitol was attacked was by the British in 1814. A united country defeated a stronger enemy.

But this time, there has been no unity, only more division. Will America survive this attack?

I'm still waiting and hoping. That's why we need to remember Pearl Harbor today.