Pearl Harbor Day

Today is the 67th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor which caused the United States to enter World War II. President Franklin Roosevelt said that it was "a date that will live in infamy". Today is the first time our flag has flown at half mast on our new flag pole. It is the custom for the President to call for all flags to fly at half mast on the anniversary of Pearl Harbor.

Grover had the honor to meet one of the men who helped bring World War II to an end last night. His name is Army Sgt Don Malarkey and he was one of the "Band of Brothers" who served in Easy Company in the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division. Malarkey jumped into France the day before the D-day invasion and was fortunate to never have been seriously wounded.

Sgt. Malarkey was at a gathering at the Kalama Elementary School where he spoke about his experiences. There are not too many World War II vets left in this world and Sgt Malarkey is about 88 years old. He was born and raised in Astoria, Oregon and currently lives in Salem. If you are interested in more information on Don Malarkey go to:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donald_Malarkey.

Grover's dad, Marvin Laseke Sr, and Goni's step father Don Payder, both served in the Navy during the war. As we enter the holiday season we should be thankful for many things. One of them is the veterans who have served, and those who continue to serve, our country.