
Yesterday, I had the privledge and honor to speak with a member of that generation, Hershel "Woody" Williams, who also happens to be living recipient of our Country's highest Military honor, the Congressional Medal of Honor.
Woody joined the Marines in 1943, after being first denied due to height restrictions, and was shipped off to the Pacific theater, joining his fellow Marines and Sailors as they island-hopped their way to Japan.
By February 23rd, 1945, Corporal Williams found himself on Iwo Jima, fighting an entrenched enemy for a key piece of ocean-front property. What transpires during this day will earn Woody Williams the Medal of Honor.

These actions occurred on the same day as the raising of the U.S. flag on the island's Mount Suribachi, although Williams
was not able to witness the event.

Woody is a prime example of why his generation has been called one of the greatest and his continued service to this Nation and our military community, even at the age of 88, is a testament to his love of Country and his fellow Americans. Woody sets a standard that we can only hope to acheive but an example we can all certainly follow.
As I headed out the door, Mr. Williams handed me a copy of a poem he had written to commemorate the upcoming anniversary of Pearl Harbor and I have listed it below. Take a moment out of your busy day to think of what this day means to the men and women of that dying generation, what it continue to mean to our military community and what it shares with our own, Day of Infamy - 9/11. Think of the unity this December tragedy developed and remember what united us on our more recent September Day. Finally, remember our military and our veterans as they continue to serve this great Nation.
Let's Remember We're United

And the lessons that it taught
Let's Remember Pearl Harbor
And our loved ones who fought
Let's Remember Pearl Harbor
And all the Mothers gave
Let's Remember Pearl Harbor
And those in Honored Graves

As we live our lives today
Let's Remember Pearl Harbor
And our Freedom to always say
Let's Remember we're United
As we go to beat the foe
Let's Remember our Heritage
As we did the Alamo

To save our Liberty
Let's Remember our loved ones
As we promise to stay Free
Let's Remember our loved ones
Who are dying every day
Let's Remember the loved ones
That are now in harm's way
Let's Remember our blessings and go on to win the fray