Then homeward, homeward be my course, And constant be my star, And may I not have changed too much Because I’ve wandered far. Their love and laughter now I need Who home and friendship are. _MEMORANDUM_ Quick are the sands that bury a man When he lays him down to die, And quick are the hands if there be no sands Of such fellows as you and I. _THE LITANY OF PEARL HARBOR_ Harbor of morning, Day has begun. Hills of Oahu Are waiting the sun. Harbor of reveille, Hammocks away. Sailors are stirring On ships in the bay. Harbor of happiness, Green and complete. Day from the summit Has smiled on the fleet. Harbor deceived, Death in the sky Plummets to earth Before colors shall fly. Harbor surprised, Torpedo and shell Tear through the living, Harbor of Hell! Harbor of terror, Harbor of death, Harbor where fellows Are choking for breath. Harbor of drownings, Thunderous sound. Flooded compartments Harbor the drowned. Harbor of fire, Harbor of flame, Steel and humanity Crumble the same. Harbor determined, Stations are manned. Against the aggresor The Harbor will stand. Harbor of courage, Gunners and guns Speak of the worth Of America’s sons. Harbor of shipmates, Sanctified flood, Dying together, Harbor of blood! Harbor of wounds, Beneath the attack, Fighting the enemy, Driving him back. Harbor of smoke, Blinding the sun. Harbor contested, Yet to be won. Harbor of roaring, Harbor ablaze, Harbor of horror, Harbor of praise. Harbor resurgent, Out of the gloom, Self-resurrected Out of the tomb. Glorious Harbor, Harbor of woe, Harbor of vengeance Blasting the foe. Harbor of hours, Endless, intense, Harbor victorious, Epic defense. Dedicate Harbor, Shipmates are there Sleeping forever. Harbor of prayer. _WE WERE WAITING THAT MORNING FOR COLORS_ We were waiting that morning for colors, And the bands were ready to play, And a motor launch crossing the harbor Was making its peaceful way, But to war and the roar of its thunder Old Glory went up that day. The firmament split, and our gunners, The bravest and handsomest crew, Mid fiery bomb and shrapnel, Oh, how to their stations they flew! They fought like a legion of angels Against the corruption of Hell, In the blaze of a sacred vengeance For shipmate lads who fell. They fought off the vicious invader, They cut him out of the air, And he dropped through the smoke of the combat To death and destruction there. And our flag through the hours of battle Flew on till the fighting was won. Oh, beautiful, dedicate banner, Our victory has only begun.