Let us remember those that lost their lives on this day in 1941, in a moment that thrust a nation into war and began what we know as "The Greatest Generation."
Oh man, it is the 7th! I have been so busy I almost forgot! Shame on me!!! This day 63 years ago we entered WWII. Man, no one I talked to remembered this day. Geez, I can’t believe it.
May we never forget this day no matter what anniversary it may be! May we never forget the brave men that were merely sleeping and just getting ready to eat breakfast, were surprised and totally caught off guard.
Here are some photos to help us remember better because it’s through photos and pictures these events are truly remembered.
Here is a photo after Pearl Harbor. It is of a market owned by American Japanese telling the pubic that they are American. This was at the time American Japanese were forced into camps till the end of the war. This, I believe was a mistake to do to our fellow Americans. However, I know the time in which it happened. So, I understand the “why� it happened.
But still, a really good photo of what you would have seen on the main streets across the US.
"O say does that Star Spangled Banner yet wave o'er the Land of the Free and the home of the Brave"
You're both wrong, but close.
My grandfather was in the Navy SeaBees battalion which went to Pearl Harbor after the bombing to rebuild the hospital and barracks. He has told me that the devastation when he arrived at Pearl was unimaginable to him at that time.
Franklin D. Roosevelt: "A date which will live in infamy" 8 December 1941
Yesterday, December 7, 1941 - a date which will live in infamy - the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.
The United States was at peace with that nation and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its Government and its Emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific. Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in Oahu, the Japanese Ambassador to the United States and his colleague delivered to the Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message. While this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or armed attack.
It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time the Japanese Government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.
The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian Islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. Very many American lives have been lost. In addition American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.
Yesterday the Japanese Government also launched an attack against Malaya. Last night Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong. Last night Japanese forces attacked Guam. Last night Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands. Last night the Japanese attacked Wake Island. This morning the Japanese attacked Midway Island.
Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation.
As Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy, I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense.
Always will we remember the character of the onslaught against us. No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory.
I believe I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost but will make very certain that this form of treachery shall never endanger us again.
Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory and our interests are in grave danger.
With confidence in our armed forces - with the unbounded determination of our people - we will gain the inevitable triumph - so help us God.
I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December seventh, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire."
Spent part of December 7 taking part in the Pearl Harbor event with the Living History Corps at the D-Day Museum in New Orleans. Got to meet a U.S. Marine vet there . . .
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