“A Date Which Will Live in Infamy” was a Sunday

Remembering December 7, 1941…

Harry Clifton Clay (1920-2010) was my father’s next door neighbor in Homosassa, FL. Seventy-two years ago, he was a young 21 year old marine who was stationed in Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.

Mr. Harry Clifton Clay (1920-2010) was a young 21 year old marine when he was stationed at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.

Harry once told my father the story of that morning. He said that he was at church dressed in his Sunday best when he heard and felt the bombs dropping. He recounted to my father, “Dressed for church, we ran to the anti-aircraft guns, wiped off the grease and began to fire.” The guns were kept coated with grease to protect them from the ocean salt in the air.

Seventy years later, Harry pulled out of his closet the pair of Johnston Murphy’s that he was wearing that morning to show my father. They were his “church shoes”. He had kept the shoes in pristine condition for all of those many years as a tangible reminder of that moment which he would never forget–and neither should we. It is a date which will live in infamy.

As you dress for church, say a prayer and count your blessings that men like Harry served to defend our freedom and were brave to the task in the moment of trial.

Mr. Harry Clifton Clay was a member of St. Anne’s Episcopal Church, Crystal River. His wife Catherine just died two months ago.

O Judge of the nations, we remember before you with grateful hearts the men and women of our country who in the day of decision ventured much for the liberties we now enjoy. Grant that we may not rest until all the people of this land share the benefits of true freedom and gladly accept its disciplines. This we ask in the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.
A Prayer For Heroic Service, The Book of Common Prayer