On the morning of December 7, 1941, Japanese planes attacked the United States Naval Base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, killing more than 2,300 Americans. The USS Arizona was completely destroyed and the USS Oklahoma capsized. The attack sank three other ships and damaged many additional vessels. More than 180 aircrafts were destroyed. The attack was one of the most important engagements of World War II. Occurring as it did before a formal declaration of war, it pushed U.S. public opinion from isolationism to an acceptance war was unavoidable, as Roosevelt called December 7, 1941 "..a date which will live in infamy."

Today at 8 pm, the Juan De La Cruisers is on the attack. The objective is unconditional camaraderie, fun and a full stomach. This time it's not a pot luck but a serious artery restricting high octane cholesterol, an all you can eat seafood restaurant. QQ Buffet and Grill in Glendale, California was the chosen venue for our annual Chistmas Party.

Everyone was funneled into this location. Driving a sleigh or riding a camel as far as sixty miles away. With Wincat of Fontana, Anthony & Terry of Palmdale, Neil and family of Simi Valley whom I referred to as the "Three Kings or Three Wise Men" who travelled far and navigated their way with the Star of Bethlehem, but these Juancheros used a Yahoo map instead..

Pete and family, Dennis and family, Jong and family, Ohgie and Delia, Noli, Glenn, Sonny and family, Angelo and wife, Lito and Isabel, and Ernie are from San Fernando Valley. Guy and wife are from L.A while Gudy and wife are from Monterey Park. All the Juancheros are present and ready to party except Alex, and Tony from up north.

Our brothers the Road Pirates also sailed in for the occasion. Mark well me' words! I lay down me sword for ye', mateys! Welcome aboard. There we were seated in a Last Supper like setting and the spirit of Christmas lingering in the air. There were sporadic bursts of laughter everywhere.

Christmas is an annual holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus. The word "Christmas" originated as a contraction of "Christ's mass." It is derived from the Middle English Christemasse and Old English Cristes męsse, a phrase first recorded in 1038. In early Greek versions of the New Testament, the letter X (chi), is the first letter of Christ. Since the mid-sixteenth century, the Roman letter X was used as an abbreviation for Christ. Hence, "Xmas" is often used as an abbreviation for Christmas.

QQ Buffet offers a wide selection of seafood variety. Shrimps, clams, white fish, frog legs, and snow crabs legs just to name a few. They also served sushi, spare ribs, prime rib, and of course, desserts and a salad bar. Everything was delicious but the snow crab legs was everybodies favorite.

The history of Christmas dates back over 4000 years. Many of our Christmas traditions were celebrated centuries before the Christ child was born. The 12 days of Christmas, the bright fires, the yule log, the giving of gifts, carnivals(parades) with floats, carolers who sing while going from house to house, the holiday feasts, and the church processions can all be traced back to the early Mesopotamians.

This was one memorable evening for our families, the Juancheros, & the Road Pirates, but time goes by fast when you are having a ball. Unfortunately, some Juancheros had to go to work the next day. Our mission was successful. We decided it was time to close the restaurant. We all enjoyed the evening. Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. Ride safe and keep smiling.

top