Today’s date of eternal infamy — Dec. 7, 1941, — cannot go by without recognizing in some way the contributions of World War II veterans everywhere.

Undoubtedly there’s still many who can remember vividly the radio announcement of the sneak attack by the Japanese at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. The USS Arizona was destroyed and 1,177 crewmembers were killed then.

The next day, America joined the fight against the Axis powers of Hirohito, Hitler and Mussolini. They were defeated in 1945.

Today’s generations need only think back to the terrorists’ attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, to get an idea of what America experienced 71 years ago.

If you’re at tonight’s, Dec. 7, holiday parade in Franklin, look for the 10 to 15 World War II veterans who are expected to participate.

Whether or not those servicemen and women were actually at Pearl Harbor on that horrible day is not crucial. The most important fact is that one way or another these people put their lives on the line to defend their country, freedom and families.

Please remember to salute or acknowledge their service with applause. It’s the least we can do for those who were willing to give so much.