I was born a few months after that day in December, and many times throughout the years I have been reminded of how tough it was during those times.

Pearl Harbor; we studied it in school. We watched old movies about the war while growing up believing that it couldn’t happen again. However, we were shocked again a few years ago, when we were sadly surprised by the terrorist attacks on our country.

What does it take to have Peace on Earth?

The last story I wrote for my weekly column, “God Given Daisies,” was about how God used the play “Godspell” with a cast of teenagers (many who never dreamed of appearing on stage) to influence many in the community of all ages, who would normally have nothing to do with each other.

Communities and individuals can be brought together through music and time spent serving each other. In the play “Godspell” ( a musical version of the gospel of Matthew) the audience is familiarized with the story of Christ and Easter (His death). The songs try to influence our lives even today, teaching us that we must try to make changes by leading those around us through being a good example… So as Christmastime arrives, let there be Peace on Earth and let it begin with me.

Back to Pearl Harbor… I visited Hawaii a number of times and enjoyed the beauty of the land and its people. But, I do not remember EVER being as moved or touched by human souls as I was when I brought my teenage Grand Daughter, Mindy, to visit Pearl Harbor. She was studying the war in school and I thought she would comprehend it more, if we visited the site.

I was amazed to see that the audience and then members of the tour were mostly Japanese. In holy reverence of the lives that were there, you literally could hear a pin drop. This was no tourist attraction. This was a spiritual awakening or renewal of souls, gathered together to give honor to the lives lost. Almost everyone had tears in their eyes. Some openly wept.

At the area where all the names were listed there was a floral piece made by Japanese children, with a beautiful poem attached. The essence of the poem was that they did not know the souls who were lost in the war, but they did know that peace begins with each one of us making a commitment of change.

Let there be Peace on Earth and Let It Begin With Me.

At the end of the tour, two old fighter pilots, one American, one Japanese, blew taps through their bugles. The once enemies, were now side by side. An example to the rest of the world…

Let There Be Peace on Earth, and Let It Begin With Me!

© Carole Devecka God Given Daisies CaroleDevecka@comcast.net