I was going to title the thread 'Happy Pearl Harbor Day', but then happiness is not something usually associated with that name... I suppose wishing one a solemn Pearl Harbor Day is more in order.
Along similar a similar vein, September 11th was recently declared 'Patriot's Day'. I'm a little surprised we didn't end up with a 'Remember the Maine Day', given the jingoistic/imperialistic tenor of those times. I'm wondering how many other countries have days commemorating what they view as Great Betrayals? The Brits have 'Guy Fawkes Night', celebrating the foiling of an attempt in the 17th century to assassinate King James I. At the time (and for many years following) the holiday was declared, the intent was to foment anti-Catholic sentiment throughout the populace. Over time, however, it's become a watered down entertainment event on par with Halloween. Do you suppose it likely decades/centuries from today Pearl Harbor day (damn those Germans!) or Patriot's Day will undergo a similar fate as old enmities become forgotten and die out and replaced by new understandings and friendships?