You realize you’re getting old when you can remember exactly where you were 67 years ago. This Sunday, December 7, we Americans will observe the 67th anniversary of Japan’s sneak attack on Pearl Harbor.

I was 7 years old at the time and can recall that Sunday in 1941 like it was yesterday. I was sitting in the football stadium at Leon Godchaux High School with my father. I don’t remember who won the game, but I do recall Inez Madere Millet, in her band uniform, shouting to someone, “The Japanese have attacked Pearl Harbor!” I remember listening to war news on the radio for the next three or four years. I remember my grandmother worrying because she had four sons serving their country. I can still remember playing baseball in St. Peter’s schoolyard when word came that one of my uncles was killed in Europe. I remember food rationing, especially sugar and butter. I know exactly where I was when I heard that the United States had dropped the A-bomb. I was at the Reserve Community Club swimming pool. I remember the end of the war and the pride that we Americans had. We were together. We had won the war.

If you ever get the chance, read the book the local School Board published right after the war recognizing the men from St. John who died during the war.

Let me encourage some of you who served during the war to share your experiences with our young people so they will never forget. We’ve had other wars in the past 67 years and, many men and women unselfishly gave their lives for our freedom. Let’s never forget the veterans.

In the past, America has always been able to pull together to fight the enemy. We are a strong, proud people. Today, I thank all the men and women who served their country so that we can enjoy our freedom. My only regret is that we are in a war now and we are losing. I’m referring to the war on drugs. The reason we’re losing is because we have failed to identify the enemy and we don’t have enough concerned people willing to address the problem.

If you have any questions, or comments, please write to Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084, call (985) 652-8477, or e-mail: hkeller@comcast.net.