When working in the UK years ago, I visited what was at the time the American 8th Air Force Museum at Duxford in Cambridge, and then the Cambridge American Cemetery.

In early 1942 the allies were losing the war everywhere. It was felt daylight bombing of Germany was necessary even though it was beyond the range of fighter plane escorts at the time.  The average life span of a B17 crew member arriving at an East Anglia 8th AF base at that time was about 15 days as I recall. But they went anyway. 

Many remain in the Cambridge American Cemetery.

Duxford has since been expanded into almost an aircraft museum. However the bravery of the airmen, sailors and troops in that dark time after Pearl Harbor should never be forgotten.

It was also not a time of politics and tough-guy political ads on TV and radio ranting by people that have never been through basic training. It was a time of personal bravery and sacrifice. War was not a video game.

We need to remember.