MamaJD: Today, in addition to Pearl Harbor Day, is important for this area. December 7, 1984, marks the date that Robert "Bob" Matthews died in a fiery standoff with federal agents on Whidbey Island. For those who have forgotten, Bob Matthews lead a violent offshoot of followers from the Aryan Nations called The Order. The Order declared open war on the United States Government, engaged in several armed robberies, and was also involved in assassinations to further their cause. The millions of dollars stolen was not recovered, believed to have been spread around to other hate groups. Until the Oklahoma City bombing, The Order was considered the largest scale domestic terrorism operation for the federal government. There are many in law enforcement in this area that dealt with this investigation. The investigation into The Order marked the beginning of the long end of the Aryan Nations in this area. If you know someone who worked in law enforcement during this time and had contact with this case, today is a good day to remember to thank them.

DFO: Well said, MamaJD; law enforcement did a terrific job protecting the public during the heyday of the local/regional white supremacist movement.

---

---