In the early 1990’s I had the opportunity to visit the USS Arizona memorial in Pearl Harbor. This memorial showcases not only the scars of war, but also highlights the courage and dignity of the service men who lost their lives on that day December 7th 1941, 71 years ago,exactly from the date this was recorded.

While at the memorial I witnessed one of the most moving experiences in my life as I watch an aged wheelchair bound Japanese gentleman toss a small reef of flowers into the oil stained water with the assistance of a young child. I was not the only observer of this moment. As I looked up four navy sailors, in their dressed whites were saluting this gentleman.

While I was observing the sailors, I noticed that they were having a difficult time maintaining their composure, so I looked back and saw that the older Japanese gentleman had returned the salute, and in a copying fashion, so did the little girl.

As a saw this act of ultimate courage and dignity, I imagined the souls of all those who were lost in this historic event saluting in chorus, not only at the reconciliatory effort of the gentleman, but at the little girl, who in that moment became a symbol of our future.

A future of brotherhood and friendship across what was once considered enemy lines.