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In Remembrance of our Veterans and Pearl Harbor Day
On December 7, 1941, the United States was attacked by the Japanese at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. When the attack ended shortly before 10:00 a.m., less than two hours after it began, the American forces had paid a fearful price. Twenty-one ships of the U.S. Pacific Fleet were sunk or damaged, 188 aircraft were destroyed and another 159 damaged, and 2,403 American lives were lost, with another 1,178 persons injured.
In all the numbers and statistics of history, we find out two Casto brothers were killed that day. Fireman first class Charles Ray Casto and Fireman second class Richard Eugene Casto were serving aboard the USS Oklahoma (BB-37) that day. I recently learned the story of the Oklahoma and how within 11 minutes of being struck by several Japanese torpedoes, the ship "turned turtle" and rolled over with men still trapped inside. Rescue crews worked feverishly for almost two days to free the men trapped inside, who were banging on the sides of the hull. Thirty-two men made it out--429 crewmembers perished.
In a world 62 years removed from that horrible day, we find ourselves once again fighting against evil and those that would do the U.S. harm. Please support our troops in anyway you can, especially at this time of year when so many of our brave men and women are far from home and can't share in the holidays with their loved ones. These soldiers are risking their lives, sometimes losing them, because they believe in freedom and liberty and keeping us safe. Next time you see someone in uniform, be sure to say, "Thank You"!
Until Next Time,
Danita
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