Today is Pearl Harbor Day, the anniversary of the Japanese sneak attack on the US Naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, in 1941. The event ushered in American participation in World War II, and was the basis for a multitude of Hollywood films over the years.

When the most recent Pearl Harbor movie was released, I took my boys and Leon Kessler to see it at the Garrett theater. I wanted my sons to hear what Leon had to say about the movie. You see, Leon was a young Marine stationed at Pearl Harbor during the attack. Along with everyone else, Leon didn’t understand what was happening early that Sunday morning. But he grabbed his cap and ran toward the naval yard, not wanting to miss out on all the excitement, whatever it was. He remembers a Japanese plane flew over him so low that the wind blew his cap off.

I was a little embarrassed, and it was a good thing we went on a Monday night, when there were only 3 or 4 others in the theater. Leon, not accustomed to public theaters, spoke right out loud, “Why, they’re killin’ way too many people,” and later, “Now that would never have happened!” But it was an educational experience for all of us.

In Exodus 23:9 God challenges Israel to live based upon what they had learned the hard way. I think its important that we all learn from lessons others have experienced; that will add wisdom to us without the pain they experienced.

What lessons have you learned from others?

Tags: Leon, lessons, war