On this Memorial Day, we remember all who died in defense of our nation.

Memorial Day was originally proclaimed Decoration Day in 1868, after the Civil War, and May 30 was chosen to represent the sacrifice of our citizens in many battles in defense of the freedom we valued so dearly.

In Hawaii, Military Appreciation Month corresponds to the month of May to recognize not only those who have gone before us but those currently serving and their current sacrifice on our behalf.

Later this year, the eyes of the nation and the world will be on Hawaii as we commemorate the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, and really, all of Oahu.

“Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future” is the commemoration’s theme, and was selected to recognize all those, military and civilians, who defended their country on that fateful day, as well as those who stepped forward immediately after and through the seven decades that have followed.

Equally important is to inspire current generations to both understand our history and recognize the responsibility of a nation to protect its basic values.

If you were 18 years old on Dec. 7, 1941, and on our island, you will be 93 when we recognize your service. I’m sure those who saw the planes and fiery smoke, heard the explosions and gunfire, felt their shock and confusion give way to fear, uncertainty, anger and resolve. But our nation pulled itself together to enter a world war of a scale never before seen, made a commitment to the international community to deter aggression, and sacrificed some 400,000 souls to ensure our way of life and those of our allies would remain protected.

The carrier-launched aircraft targeted not only Pearl Harbor but military bases all over Oahu. Roughly 50,000 soldiers, sailors and Marines were ashore in Hawaii that Sunday. Tens of thousands more were aboard ships in Pearl Harbor. More than 2,300 service members perished in the attack, and another 1,200 were wounded. In addition, at least 48 civilians were killed.

Those who survived the attack would go on to help win World War II and shape the world we live in today.

Among the survivors were 1,500 Americans of Japanese ancestry (AJAs) who were on active duty with the Army on Dec. 7, 1941. They performed their duties that day just like their fellow GIs. So did hundreds of University of Hawaii ROTC cadets who were called to duty with the Hawaii Territorial Guard.

The AJAs went on to form the 100th Infantry Battalion and then the creation of a larger AJA unit, the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, which joined the 100th in Europe and become the most decorated regiment in U.S. history.

So this will be a special time for Hawaii, as it will for our nation and our friends and allies, past and present. We encourage all to participate at the numerous events both solemn and celebratory, designed to bring us all together (see www.PearlHarbor75thanniversary.com).

This Memorial Day, when we honor those who gave their lives in service to America, there is no better time to begin “Honoring the past and Inspiring the future.”