Eighty-one years have passed since the day that would live in infamy, a moment etched into the collective memory of our nation - the attack on Pearl Harbor. December 7, 1941, marked a turning point in history, thrusting the U.S. into World War II and changing the course of countless lives. As we observe this somber anniversary, let us reflect on the immediate impact of that day and the enduring loss that echoes through the decades.

The attack on Pearl Harbor was not just an assault on a naval base; it was an assault on the very fabric of our nation. 2,403 U.S. personnel, including 68 civilians, lost their lives. Half of the dead at Pearl Harbor were on the USS Arizona, which remains sunken in the Harbor with its crew onboard. Oil still leaks from the hull to this day.

In its wake, fear swept across the country, but there was a sense of patriotism that compelled ordinary citizens to rise to the occasion. Families like mine, deeply rooted in the values of service and sacrifice, felt the seismic shift as loved ones embarked on a journey fraught with danger to defend our freedom.

My father, a proud Navy veteran, answered the call to duty during World War II. His service, like that of countless others, left an indelible mark on our family. The sacrifices made by the Greatest Generation echo in the stories passed down through the decades, a poignant reminder of the price paid for the liberties we hold dear.

In my role as an assemblyman, I've made it my mission to translate gratitude into action. I boldly assert I have done more for veterans than anyone in New York state, not as mere rhetoric, but as a testament to a record of tangible results. It's a commitment that goes beyond political posturing — it's personal.

The renaming of 14 roads, bridges and highways stands as a visible tribute to the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice. Each sign is a marker of remembrance, etched with the names of those who gave their lives in service to our nation and the communities they come from. It is a small yet powerful gesture, a tangible reminder for all who pass by that freedom demands a price, paid in blood, sweat and tears.

My mother, as chair of the Blue Star Memorial Marker program, has been instrumental in honoring the families left behind. Dozens of Blue Star Memorial markers in our region bear witness to her dedication and our collective commitment to acknowledging the sacrifices of military families. It's a cause that hits close to home, a cause that demands our attention and action.

As we reflect on the anniversary of Pearl Harbor, let us not merely mourn the loss but actively engage in the duty to honor those who served. My father's legacy fuels my dedication to this cause, and through my advocacy, I strive to ensure the sacrifices of our veterans are not relegated to history books but live on in the collective memory of a grateful nation.