Friday, December 7

December 7th, Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

On Sunday morning, December 7, 1941, the American Navy and Army base in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii was attacked by the Imperial Japanese Navy. The attack came as a surprise to the American Navy and Army and lead to great losses of life and equipment. 
More than 3500 Americans were killed, including the 1,177 men that died when the Arizona was sunk. The Americans also lost a large portion of their battle ships and nearly 200 aircraft that were stationed in the Pacific region. The Japanese military had hoped that the attack on Pearl Harbor would prevent the United States of America from increasing her influence in the Pacific. However, the events in Pearl Harbor actually led to the escalation of World War II.
The day after the attack, the United States declared war on Japan and America entered World War II. In a speech to Congress, FDR stated that the bombing of Pearl Harbor was “a date which will live in infamy”. Shortly afterwards, Germany also declared war on the United States. In the months that followed the attack, the slogan “Remember Pearl Harbor” swept the United States. 
May we always remember the sacrifice of those men and women who served and died in Hawaii on that December day so many years ago. I pray that we as Americans will always stand vigilant and be ready to defend our country as the 'greatest generation' did. Let us never forget the many individuals who laid down their lives for their country on islands throughout the South Pacific and in the European theater as well. Personally, I am thankful to them all. Remember Pearl Harbor.

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