By MIKE SIMONS Staff Photographer on Dec 11, 2012, at 3:47 PM Updated on 12/11 at 3:47 PM
Pearl Harbor survivors Don Baldrachi(left) and Jay Jernigan salute the flag during a Pearl Harbor remembrance at American Legion Mohawk Post # 308 Dec. 7, 2012. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World
On December 7th and 8th I had assignments that didn't seem to be related at all. A Pearl Harbor remembrance and the Holiday Parade of Lights. I was incredibly moved watching a vanishing generation remember the part they had in the day that would live in infamy.
On Saturday evening while at the Holiday Parade of Lights, I spotted Amera Hammami and other members of the Islamic Society of Tulsa walking in the parade. With a wonderful smile on her face, Amera waved and said, "Merry Christmas" as she walked.
I found both scenes moving and it occurred to me that one was not possible without the other. If those brave men at the remembrance hadn't fought, I doubt seriously that Hammami would have the right to walk in a parade. And, I wouldn't have been able to enjoy the sight with all the others at the parade.
Amera Hammami,14, of the Islamic Society of Tulsa waves as she walks in the Holiday Parade of Lights Dec. 8, 2012. Hammami said Merry Christmas as she walked. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World
Jay Jernigan stands in front of a memorial that was lit in honor of the deceased during a Pearl Harbor remembrance at American Legion Mohawk Post # 308 Dec. 7, 2012. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World
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