U.S. Marshals Service: Protect, Defend, Enforce

According to a program report titled “National Sources of Law Enforcement Employment Data” by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Statistics, the FBI estimates approximately 18,000 law enforcement agencies exist in America.

This information is gleaned from the number of agencies that report annual data to the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program.

This program has been administered by the FBI since 1930. The UCR involves voluntary reporting of crimes known to law enforcement, as well as arrest information, and law enforcement employee data.

Insightful information on crime and law enforcement can be viewed from the UCR. But, for the purpose of this article, let us notice the extensive law enforcement network dedicated to protecting and serving America.

Many of these agencies, as well as issues critical to American policing, have been highlighted in my articles for the Epoch Times and also my presentations throughout the United States.

In this article, I would like to highlight the United States Marshals Service (USMS) and honor their pivotal role in safeguarding America.

Protect, Defend, Enforce

Since the USMS was America’s first federal law enforcement agency, established in 1789, it is considered the nation’s police force.

As detailed in the USMS Strategic Plan: 2012-2018, “The USMS protects the judicial process; the cornerstone of American democracy. Providing federal judicial security; apprehending fugitives and non-compliant sex offenders; securing and transporting federal prisoners from arrest to incarceration; executing federal court orders; seizing and managing assets acquired through illegal means; and assuring the safety of endangered government witnesses and their families is our mission. The USMS uses this influence and reach gained through its accomplished history and broad authority to collaborate with other federal, state, local, and international law enforcement agencies, as well as with concerned citizens and members of the judiciary, to form a united front against crime.”

The mission of the USMS is “to protect, defend, and enforce the American justice system.”

Their vision is “a world class law enforcement agency—unified in our mission and workforce; professional and agile, with modernized tools and capabilities; strategically building upon our status as a trusted partner by achieving the highest levels of effectiveness, efficiency, safety, and security.”

Collaboration, Critical to the Mission

The extensive network of the USMS is expressed through a geographical structure that mirrors the structure of the United States district courts.

There are 94 federal judicial districts in each state, the District of Columbia, and Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

Let us focus on two USMS districts, where I have been privileged to personally know the U.S. Marshal’s for each district.

U.S. Marshal Juan Mattos, Jr., whom I have been privileged to know for over 20 years, serves as the United States Marshal for the District of New Jersey.

Marshal Mattos and I first met in 2006 prior to my keynote titled “American Leadership Principles for Law Enforcement.” The keynote was delivered for the West Point Command and Leadership Graduation.

This program, under the auspices of the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP) was dedicated to developing future law enforcement leaders.

At that event, and at numerous FBI and other law enforcement initiatives over the years, I was always impressed by the professionalism, respectability, and dignity of Mattos.

Now at brief look at his district.

Aside from fundamental information on the USMS District of New Jersey website, a success story crystalizes their collaborative effort with arresting dangerous felons.

In one incident, members of the USMS New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force, Newark Division, arrested an individual wanted by the Bureau of Alcohol and Tobacco on charges of being a convicted felon in possession of a weapon.

The outcome, without their intervention with successfully apprehending this individual, could have been another horrid headline.

Now, let us move from the USMS district of New Jersey to New York State.

In New York State, the USMS is divided into four judicial districts, referred to as the Northern, Southern, Eastern, and Western Districts of New York.

Since I have been privileged to know U.S. Marshal Michael Greco, who provides leadership for the Southern District of New York, let us take a view of his district.

Marshal Greco and I have met at numerous programs over the last few years, including events for the National Law Enforcement Associates, National Law Enforcement Foundation, ASIS International, and the First Precinct Financial Area Security Council.

On two occasions I had the privilege of attending Marshal Greco’s presentations on the USMS. His loyalty, commitment, and dedication to his profession was inspirational.

The USMS Southern District comprises the counties of Bronx, Dutchess, New York, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Westchester, and concurrently with the Eastern District, the waters within the Eastern District.

In one of the countless success stories exemplifying collaboration, a fugitive wanted on outstanding homicide charges out of the United Kingdom was arrested by a team of U.S. Marshals and Task Force Officers from the New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force in the Southern District of New York.

Final Reflections

There were two television shows that I remember from my childhood in the 1960’s that dramatized the legacy of the USMS.

One show portrayed Wyatt Earp, an iconic frontiersman from the glorified American West.

Wyatt Earp was a deputy town marshal in Tombstone, Arizona Territory. Earp was known as soft-spoken but with nerves of steel. Perhaps he is best remembered for taking part in a gunfight at the O.K. Corral during which lawmen killed three outlaw cowboys in 1881.

Although many aspects of Earp’s life are clouded by myth, he did serve the USMS as a deputy marshal.

In another show, Bat Masterson, a lawman, gunfighter, and well-known Old West character was portrayed.

The USMS cites Bat Masterson as one who began wearing their renowned star-shaped badge around 1880. His service began in Kansas with a subsequent move to Arizona.

Masterson was well-known for his dandy dress and being a sharpshooter. After serving the USMS out West, Masterson then moved to New York, serving the Southern District from 1905-1909.

Yet, beyond the legendary portrayals of Hollywood, the USMS is vital to the security of America.

Their service is exemplified through outstanding public servants Michael Greco and Juan Mattos, Jr., their U.S. Marshal colleagues, and approximately 3,700 deputy U.S. Marshals and criminal investigators who protect and serve America.

Our nation’s law enforcement agencies, in collaboration with private security professionals, our armed forces, and dedicated community members are critical to safeguarding our homeland.

As we honor the USMS, and all dedicated to protecting and serving America, let us intensify our dedication to a unity of effort.

These are challenging times that demand our leadership, vigilance, and collaboration, and we must commit ourselves to partnerships throughout all of society.

This unity of effort is inseparable from the USMS mission. This mission beckons us to protect, defend, and enforce the values of our justice system, all of which complement the security of our nation.

Photos:
1. U.S. Marshal briefing for Operation Falcon (Federal And Local Cops Organized Nationally), on June 16, 2008. The U.S. Marshals teamed with its partners from federal, state, and local law enforcement to engage in the record-breaking initiative. It was the fifth effort in a continuing series of historically successful national fugitive apprehension missions, which have resulted in the collective capture of more than 55,800 dangerous fugitive felons. (Courtesy U.S. Marshal Service)
2. Two members of the USMS arrest a suspect, July 16, 2008. (Courtesy U.S. Marshal Service)
3. U.S. Marshal Michael Greco, Vincent J. Bove, U.S. Marshal Juan Mattos Jr., at an National Law Enforcement Associates event, Dec. 8, 2017. (Courtesy Vincent J. Bove Publishing)
4. Dodge City Peace Commission, early June, 1883. This file is actually uploaded under an incorrect name: *police* commission, not peace commission. But the men photographed went to Dodge threatening a war, so the title of "peace commission" (later applied to the photo) was originally tongue-in-cheek. And doubly ironic, since the presence of this much force did indeed historically result in a peaceful resolution, with no violence. According to a biography of Wyatt Earp by Casey Tefertiller, the photo was taken in the Conkling Studio at Dodge City in June 1883 and first appeared in the National Police Gazette on 21 July, 1883. From left to right, standing: W.H. Harris, Luke Short, Bat Masterson, W.F. Petillon. Seated: Charlie Bassett, Wyatt Earp, Frank McLain (possibly "M. C. Clark". (Public Domain: Dodge City Peace Commission)

Read More:

Policing Requires Ethical Protectors

The State of Policing in the United States: Issues and Response

Police-Community Collaboration: America’s Public Safety Lifeline

21st Century Policing: America’s Ethical Guardians

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Vincent is author of 250 articles, including his weekly column titled “Reawakening the Nation” for the Epoch Times; 35 countries, 21 languages, and growing. As a national speaker, he has addressed audiences nationwide on issues critical to America including ethical leadership, violence prevention, and crisis planning.

America’s Fallen Military Deserve Eternal Honor

Each December, America’s profound respect, admiration, and honor for our fallen military is expressed through a National Wreaths Across America Day.

The event is conducted through the organization Wreaths Across America whose mission is to “Remember, Honor, and Teach.” The mission is carried out by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as at over 1,200 additional locations in all 50 states, and at sea, and abroad.

This year’s event took place on December 16, inspired by the words “I’m and American. Yes, I am.”

The words are from a song written by Rick Charette titled “I’m an American.” A rendition was performed by the Kennebunk Elementary School Children’s Chorus in Maine, during the 2016 Annual Wreath Escort to Arlington National Cemetery.

The children’s performance ignited patriotism in the hearts of their audience. As the entire audience joined the children in song, all cheered, and were struck with the awe of America. The song is now continually song at Wreaths Across America events.

Patriotism, Pride, Honor

The origins of Wreaths Across America began in 1992 when Morrill Worchester, a wreath-maker from Maine had 5,000 extra holiday wreaths.

Worchester decided to use these wreaths as an expression of gratitude for fallen military personnel whose sacrifices gave him the freedom to be an American.

Twenty-five years later, on Dec. 16, 2017, Worchester’s patriotism has been multiplied according to the Wreaths Across America site. The site cites that there are now “1,422 participating locations nationwide, grateful Americans in every state placed more than 1,565,000 remembrance wreaths. At Arlington National Cemetery specifically, 244,700 wreaths (one for each marker there) were placed by more than 75,000 volunteers, the largest crowd to ever participate there. Nearly 500 truckloads of wreaths were transported across the country through a network of hundreds of volunteer drivers, donated trucking and diesel, and countless hours of dedicated volunteers committed to the mission to Remember, Honor and Teach.”

The 2017 wreath-laying at Arlington began with the arrival of a “mile-long convoy of ceremonial vehicles, including tractor-trailers, buses, and cars carrying wreaths, veterans, Gold Star and Blue Star Families, and supporters.”

Arlington National Cemetery: Honor, Remembrance, Reverence

The recent wreath-laying honoring America’s fallen military at Arlington National Cemetery demands our eternal remembrance and reverence for America's patriots.

Our respect must be expressed not only at Arlington, but on hallowed ground wherever America’s fallen are laid to rest. Most importantly, the honor must forever burn in the hearts, minds, and soul of every person privileged to call America home.

America is the “land of the free, and home of the brave” only because our sacred freedom, liberty, and democracy has been protected and defended by our armed forces.

Our nation must be forever remember their sacrifices and be fully committed to honoring their legacy. This honor deserves a full-force commitment throughout all of society, but especially through character education initiatives in our schools and campuses. This is critical to preserving and igniting hearts of patriotism for America’s future.

Final Reflections

As wreaths on America’s hallowed resting places remind us to honor our fallen, we must also pause to remember those laid to rest on distant shores.

According to the American Battle Monuments Commission, there are 26 permanent military cemeteries and 29 federal memorials located throughout the world.

We must forever remain mystically united with our fallen on the hallowed grounds of these cemeteries. These locations include France, Belgium, United Kingdom, Philippines, Italy, Luxembourg, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Tunisia, Northern Mariana Islands, Morocco, Panama, Mexico, and South Korea.

These cemeteries and memorials, most of which commemorate sacrifices of World War I and World War II, demand a mystical remembrance in the heart of every American. The heartbeat of each American must always beat with respect, reverence, and honor.

America must also eternally honor the clarion call of Lincoln at Gettysburg. His words must inspire respect for all who have offered the ultimate sacrifice for our nation:

“It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us, that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion; that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain; that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom; and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the Earth."

Finally, may we forever be inspired by the hearts of children singing these words from “I’m an American” on a day at Kennebunk Elementary School in Maine:

“I’m an American. Yes, I am.
I love my country. I love my land.
With you and me together, we each play a part.
We can make a difference with love in our hearts.

“We are many. We are one.
We are shining in the sun.
We’re united standing tall.
“With liberty and justice for all.
I’m an American. Yes, I am.
I hold the world’s future here in my hands.
Gonna sing and shout it! It’s great to be free.
Every single person has dignity.

“I’m an American. Yes, I am.
I promise that I will do what I can.
I’ll stand up for freedom. Live my life without fear
Going to make a better world, I know we’ll persevere.”

Related Coverage:

Gold Star Families: Honoring Those Who Make the Ultimate Sacrifice

Pearl Harbor’s Commemoration Demands America’s Reawakening

Memorial Day: Honor the Fallen, Widows, Orphans

Armed Forces: Honor, Leadership, Protecting America

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Vincent is author of 250 articles, including his weekly column titled “Reawakening the Nation” for the Epoch Times; 35 countries, 21 languages, and growing. As a national speaker, he has addressed audiences nationwide on issues critical to America including ethical leadership, violence prevention, and crisis planning.

Photos:

1. Wreaths placed on headstones in Arlington National Cemetery, Va., are provided by Wreaths Across America, and 50,000 volunteers placed the wreaths Dec. 13, 2014. Wreaths Across America provides the holiday wreaths, and this year was the first year each eligible headstone received a wreath. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army, Rachel Larue, Joint Base Myer Henderson Hall Public Affairs)

2. Many volunteers with Wreaths Across America help place more than 100,000 remembrance wreaths on headstones at Arlington National Cemetery, Va., Dec. 13, 2013. The mission of Wreaths Across America is to remember and honor the fallen men and women of the armed forces by coordinating wreath laying ceremonies. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. James K. McCann/Released)

3. Lorraine American Cemetery, France, is the final resting place to more than 10,000 Americans that gave their lives in World War II. (Photo Courtesy American Battle Monuments Commission)

NYC Terror Incidents Demand Police-Community Unity

As a response to the Dec. 11 terror incident in a tunnel between two of New York City’s busiest subway stations, the spire of One World Trade Center was illuminated that evening in red, white, and blue.

The brilliance on the spire of the 1,776-foot-tall skyscraper was a statement that America’s freedom, liberty, and patriotism will stand eternal.

These pillars of our democracy will not be undermined and our courage will overcome all trials.

The colors of our flag illuminated on One World Trade Center also remind us of the dedication of all who protect us, and all community members who assist and appreciate our public servants.

All who responded to the recent, and all terror incidents in New York City, including the Port Authority Police Department, NYPD, FDNY, MTA, and FBI deserve the gratitude and continual cooperation of all community members.

New York and all of America must remain vigilant. The current climate of terror is a reality and we must refuse to allow it to undercut our way of life. Rather, any attempt to sabotage America’s cherished values must inspire a deeper commitment to forging iron-clad unity with our police, first responders, private security professionals, and all community members.

Terror Attacks in NYC: A Snapshot

In order to inspire our continued resolve, built on the principles of leadership, vigilance, and collaboration, it is important to understand that New York City is, and will remain for the foreseeable future, a target for terror.

Although dozens of attempts have been thwarted, here is a snapshot of incidents that must inspire us to have our eyes wide open:

Dec. 11, 2017: an improvised, unsophisticated, and defective bombing via a pipe-bomb attached to a man’s body detonated during the height of the morning commute. The incident injured four people in a congested underground passageway used by subway commuters at Manhattan’s Port Authority Bus Terminal. The incident wrecked havoc in one of America’s busiest transportation hubs and in one of the busiest sections of New York City. According to a complaint filed after the attack, the bomber faces federal terrorism charges.

Oct. 31: a truck attack on Manhattan’s West Side Highway Bike Path killed eight people and injured a dozen. The attack occurred in the shadow of the World Trade Center by an individual driving a rental truck. He used the vehicle as a ramming device hitting innocent people along at least ten blocks of the bike path. The attacker also purposefully swerved the vehicle into a school bus carrying children.

Sept. 17, 2016: a pressure cooker bomb detonated on West 23rd Street in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood. The detonation caused shrapnel and broken glass to injure thirty people. The attack resulted in convictions including using a weapon of mass destruction and bombing a public place. Immediately after the verdict, Joon H. Kim, acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York stated, “Today’s verdict is a victory for New York City, a victory for America in its fight against terror, and a victory for all who believe in the cause of justice.”

Oct. 23, 2014: a terrorist charged at four uniformed NYPD officers in Queens with an 18-inch metal hatchet. Two of the officers were struck, one in the arm, and one in the head causing traumatic brain injuries. After spending more than a year in rehabilitation with numerous surgeries, Officer Kenneth Healey heroically returned to work on Dec. 18, 2015. His return was greeted by the tumultuous applause of his NYPD colleagues.

May 1, 2010: an attempted home-made bomb in a car in Times Square failed to detonate. In court papers, prosecutors wrote that if the bomb had detonated, “the lives of numerous residents and visitors would have been lost and countless others would have been forever traumatized.” A vigilant street vendor alerted the NYPD after seeing smoke coming from a SUV.

May 6, 2008: a pipe-bomb detonated outside a U.S. Armed Forces recruitment office in Times Square. Although the explosion shattered the office window and door, no one was injured.

Sept. 11, 2001: more than 2,700 people were killed by the 9/11 terror attacks when hijacked planes crashed into the World Trade Center. The attack was a pivotal moment in American history that forever defined the critical importance of police-community unity, terrorism awareness, security management, and emergency preparedness.

Feb. 26, 1993: a bomb exploded in a truck parked by terrorists in the garage beneath the World Trade Center. The explosion killed six people and injured over 1,000.

Final Reflections

America must continue to forge partnerships between law enforcement, first responders, security professionals, our military, and all members of the community. This unity of effort is critical for protecting our homeland from terrorism.

This unity of effort must be exemplified through public-private partnerships and enhancing our culture of security awareness. The mantra of “If you see something, say something” must also inspire us to remain vigilant and to continually improve security in our infrastructure, facilities, workplaces, schools, communities, houses of worship, and campuses.

The Neighborhood Policing initiative of the NYPD addressed in my Sept. 15, 2017 article for the Epoch Times titled "Neighborhood Policing Illuminates NYPD Mission" must also be intensified. Neighborhood Policing enhances unity between the police and the public. This unity is critical for reporting warning signs of a homegrown, lone wolf radicalized threat which is a challenge to detect.

In my Dec. 10, 2015 article for the Epoch Times titled “Mass Shootings America’s Public Health Crisis,” principles of security countermeasures for safeguarding our nation are cited. These principles essential to active shooter awareness, prevention and response are also applicable to terrorism. These countermeasures must be utilized to harden targets and include police-community public safety initiatives, board certified security vulnerability assessments, background checks/investigations, training and certification programs, warning sign awareness and intervention, physical security, personnel security, procedural security, and cybersecurity. Cybersecurity includes leadership from the highest levels of our government to prevent use of the Internet to radicalize or to instruct individuals on making bombs or on attack methods.

America will not be deterred from protecting our homeland and safeguarding our people. We must enhance our unity of effort, bolster our security awareness, and immediately apply lessons learned to terrorism consequences. America must also continually harden its targets, especially soft targets.

Our country’s dedication to a continual collaboration of our police and communities will be the heart of protecting New York City and our nation. This dedication is critical to safeguarding our way of life and deserves our full force dedication.

Related Coverage:

Terrorism Prevention Requires Police–Community Collaboration

Terrorism Demands Police-Community Unity

America, Wake Up: Harden Your Soft Targets

NYPD Counterterrorism: Protecting New York City

1. One World Trade Center's spire is shown lit in French flags colors of white, blue and red in solidarity with France after tonight's terror attacks in Paris on Nov. 13, 2015 in New York City. On Dec. 11, 2017, New York Gov. Cuomo ordered the spire be lit in red, white, and blue in response to that day's terror attack in New York City (Daniel Pierce Wright/Getty Images)

2. The Chief of Police, cover story titled "Terrorism Concerns Accelerate: Protecting America" by Vincent J. Bove, Spring 2015.

3. The Chief of Police, cover story titled "Acceleration of Terrorism Demands America's Vigilance" by Vincent J. Bove, Fall 2017.

4. NYPD presence at Radio City Music Hall, Apr. 27, 2013. (Vincent J. Bove)

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Linkedin: Vincent J. Bove Consulting, Speaker Services, Publishing

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Vincent is author of 250 articles, including his weekly column titled “Reawakening the Nation” for the Epoch Times; 35 countries, 21 languages, and growing. As a national speaker, he has addressed audiences nationwide on issues critical to America including ethical leadership, violence prevention, and crisis planning.

Pearl Harbor’s Commemoration Demands America’s Reawakening

As time passes with December 7 as the commemoration of the Pearl Harbor attack, the number of survivors continues to diminish.

Just after Pearl Harbors attack in 1941, there were about 60,000 survivors.

Although an exact number of survivors is challenging to ascertain, a recent estimate according to the chief of interpretation of the USS Arizona Memorial is about 2,000. 

All of these survivors are in the twilight of their lives. Yet, the ordeals they experienced, and the sacrifices they made for America’s democracy, demand eternal honor.

America is currently challenged with ongoing scandals, divisiveness, and violence. 

 The anniversary of Pearl Harbor is time to reawaken America’s character, courage, and compassion.

Pearl Harbor Survivors Association

The Pearl Harbors Survivors Association (PHSA), officially recognized by the United States Congress is a “symbol of America’s commitment to preparedness against unprovoked acts of aggression.”

The PHSA is dedicated to ensuring that all present and future generations of Americans forever remember the events of December 7, 1941 as crystallized in their motto “Remember Pearl Harbor-Keep America Alert.”

As the immortal words of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt - “a date that will live in infamy” - echo throughout the ages, we must eternally remember Pearl Harbor.

Pearl Harbor: Fast Facts

According to the National World War II Museum, here are some fast facts from their document titled “Remembering Pearl Harbor: A Pearl Harbor Fact Sheet”:

• On December 6, 1941, the U.S. intercepted a Japanese message that inquired about ship movements and berthing positions at Pearl Harbor. 

The cryptologist gave the message to her superior who said he would get back to her on Monday, December 8. On Sunday, December 7, a radar operator on Oahu saw a large group of airplanes on his screen heading toward the island. 

He called his superior who told him it was probably a group of U.S. B-17 bombers and not to worry about it.

• The attack killed 2,403 U.S. personnel, including 68 civilians, and destroyed or damaged 19 U.S. Navy ships, including 8 battleships. 

The three aircraft carriers of the U.S. Pacific Fleet were out to sea on maneuvers. 

The Japanese were unable to locate them and were forced to return home with the U.S. carrier fleet intact.

• The battleship USS Arizona remains sunken in Pearl Harbor with its crew onboard. Half of the dead at Pearl Harbor were on the Arizona. 

A United States flag flies above the sunken battleship, which serves as a memorial to all Americans who died in the attack.

• Dorie Miller, a steward on the USS West Virginia, distinguished himself by courageous conduct and devotion to duty during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. 

He first assisted his mortally wounded captain and then manned a machine gun, which he was not accustomed to operating, successfully destroying two Japanese aircraft. He was the first African American awarded the Navy Cross, the service’s highest award, for his actions during the attack.

• The United States did recover. After only six months, the U.S. carrier fleet dealt a decisive blow to Japan’s navy in June 1942 at the Battle of Midway, sinking four of their aircraft carriers. 

After this U.S. victory came the start of the U.S. island-hopping campaign and the eventual defeat of the Japanese Empire in August 1945.

Spotlight: A Pearl Harbor Survivor

The US. Department of Defense website memorializes an inspirational story on the second-oldest known Pearl Harbor survivor, retired Navy Lt. Jim Downing.

Downing, now 104 years old, traveled to Pearl Harbor during the 75th anniversary of the attack in 2016.

His ship, the USS Virginia, was severely damaged by nine torpedoes and over 100 men were killed, including 17 of Downing's closest friends. 

Downing responded to the ship’s attack from his home, where he was having Sunday breakfast with family and shipmates, to fight fires and help survivors.

After the tragedy, Downing composed personal letters for the loved ones of the dead and injured.

"The ones that I didn’t know, while I was fighting the fire, I memorized their identification tags and wrote to their parents so that was a sense of closure, both on my part and on the part of their own parents."

He heard back from many of them including parents who learned their sons were actually alive. Downing said, "They were grateful. They rejoiced; they didn’t know that their sons were still alive until they got the letter."

Downing wants the memory of Pearl Harbor to be kept alive long after the last surviving member.

"I hope history books and history teachers won't forget. There's a tendency as time passes to forget about the past, so I'm hoping history books and teachers will keep the memories alive."

America’s Resolve: Remember Pearl Harbor

Perhaps these words from a December 7, 1987 proclamation by President Ronald Reagan will inspire us to eternally honor Pearl Harbor:

“On December 7, America remembers much and resolves much. 

“We remember Pearl Harbor's dead and wounded and its courageous survivors who fought that day and many other days as well. 

“We remember too one of history's clearest lessons, that weakness and unpreparedness do not build peace but invite aggression. 

“We remember that our freedom, purchased at so dear a price, can be taken from us. And we resolve that that shall never be. 

“We resolve that our strength, our vigilance, and our devotion will forever keep America the land of the free and the home of the brave. 

“We resolve that we will keep faith with those we have loved and lost. 

“And we resolve that, always, we will remember Pearl Harbor.”

Pearl Harbor must be eternally honored and inspire America to a reawakening built on the ethical pillars of civil decency, moral courage, and community service.

Related Published Works by Vincent:

Pearl Harbor’s 75th Anniversary: Reawakening America

US Navy: Honor, Leadership, Protecting America

Gold Star Families: Honoring Those Who Make the Ultimate Sacrifice

America’s Veterans: Honoring Our Heroes

Photos:

1. Pearl Harbor survivors greet a child during the 75th commemoration of the attacks on Pearl Harbor at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, Dec. 7, 2016. The U.S. military co-hosted the event, which provided veterans, family members, service members and the community a chance to honor the sacrifices made by those who were present during the attacks. (U.S. Navy photo / Petty Officer 2nd Class Laurie Dexter)

2. Pearl Harbor survivor Jim Leavelle receives a flag from a child after arriving on an honor flight to Honolulu International Airport, Dec. 3, 2016. Leavelle traveled to Hawaii with other Pearl Harbor survivors and WWII veterans for a week of commemorations for the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. (U.S. Department of Defense photo / Lisa Ferdinando)

3. Pearl Harbor survivor Jim Downing visits with sailors at a screening of the "Remember Pearl Harbor" documentary at the Pacific Aviation Museum at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, Dec. 4, 2016. (U.S. Department of Defense photo / Lisa Ferdinando)

4. Pearl Harbor Survivor Carl Clark at the National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Commemoration, 75th Anniversary, 2016. (U.S. Coast Guard photo / Specialist Tara Molle)

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Linkedin: Vincent J. Bove Consulting, Speaker Services, Publishing

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Vincent is author of 300 published articles, including 18 cover stories for The Chief of Police, and four books.  

As a national speaker, Bove has addressed audiences nationwide on issues critical to America including ethical leadership, violence prevention, and crisis planning.