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With the ongoing warfare between Israel and Hamas in Gaza capturing so much of the world's attention, as well as developments surrounding Ukraine's continuing struggle against Russia, it is understandable that some Americans might find it difficult to shift their attention today to the start of a war 82 years ago.
However, what occurred on Dec. 7, 1941 -- the day of Japan's surprise attack on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii -- needs to remain ingrained in Americans' minds in this dangerous time.
There can be no assurance that America never again will be the victim of a surprise attack by some terrorist group or other adversary. The terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, delivered that message poignantly.
Meanwhile, what happened in Israel at Hamas' hands was a solemn reminder of the sorrow, pain and anguish thousands of American families suffered when news of Japan's horrific, deadly action on that American territory reached this nation's mainland.
The attack by Hamas also evoked sad memories of how thousands of families were impacted directly by the 2001 event and the collective sadness and anger that engulfed this nation in its aftermath.
Statehood for Hawaii still was nearly two decades away when Japan attacked, but Hawaii was of great strategic importance to the mainland, and still is.
Not to be ignored is that the attack by Hamas against Israel planted the terrible seed for much death, suffering and destruction for Gaza innocents as well -- unfortunate ramifications that remain ongoing.
It is impossible to predict how long before the Ukraine and Gaza wars end, but it seems safe to estimate that will not happen anytime soon.
Israel's newly announced plans for a years-long manhunt around the globe to kill militants portends a lengthy timetable of instability in the Middle East and beyond.
Amid what's to come, hostages who survived their captivity in the hands of Hamas will continue to relate their experiences and other details of their respective ordeals.
Just as on the day that America was attacked in 2001, Dec. 7, 1941, was about to begin as routinely as any other day. The December 2016 issue of Smithsonian magazine described it this way:
"The dawn watch had been as pacific as the ocean at their feet. Rousted by an alarm clock, Pvts. George E. Elliott Jr. and Joseph L. Lockard (who was from Williamsport, Pa.) had awakened in their tent at 3:45 in the caressing warmth of an Oahu night and gotten their radar fired up and scanning 30 minutes later. Radar was still in its infancy, far from what it would become, but the privates could still spot things farther out than anyone ever had with mere binoculars or telescope."
Several hours later their oscilloscope delivered what they described as a spike indicating not two or three aircraft but rather an astonishing number, perhaps 50 or more -- the Japanese planes that shortly would attack Pearl.
The rest is history.
Every morning millions of Americans wake up wondering what that day will bring -- especially with so many troubling happenings underway on this planet. Many pray for wars' victims while feeling gratitude that they are not among those suffering.
But many here also are worrying -- worrying that they and this country are not someday unprepared like Pearl Harbor was 82 years ago today.
For good reason.