"I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with a terrible resolve."---Japanese Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto
December 8, 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt to The Congress of the United States:
"Yesterday, Dec. 7, 1941---a date which will live in infamy---the United States was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan...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...With confidence in our armed forces---with the unbounding determination of our people---we will gain the inevitable triumph. So help us God."
Seventy years ago this week will mark the commemoration of the attack on Pearl Harbor. We must all take a few moments to remember and pay tribute to the very first American victims of World War II. Almost 2,500 Americans were killed (1,177 on the Arizona alone) and 1,300 were wounded.
Pres. Roosevelt was right when he predicted the American people would win. Victory over Japan came on August 15, 1945. The enduring legacy of the attack on Pearl Harbor is one of courageous men and women who fought and died for the freedom we now cherish and continue to protect. The "Greatest Generation" of heroes fought because it was the right thing to do not for fame or glory. The generation of service men and women today continue to carry on this legacy. And, for this, we say thank you.
December 8, 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt to The Congress of the United States:
"Yesterday, Dec. 7, 1941---a date which will live in infamy---the United States was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan...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...With confidence in our armed forces---with the unbounding determination of our people---we will gain the inevitable triumph. So help us God."
Seventy years ago this week will mark the commemoration of the attack on Pearl Harbor. We must all take a few moments to remember and pay tribute to the very first American victims of World War II. Almost 2,500 Americans were killed (1,177 on the Arizona alone) and 1,300 were wounded.
Pres. Roosevelt was right when he predicted the American people would win. Victory over Japan came on August 15, 1945. The enduring legacy of the attack on Pearl Harbor is one of courageous men and women who fought and died for the freedom we now cherish and continue to protect. The "Greatest Generation" of heroes fought because it was the right thing to do not for fame or glory. The generation of service men and women today continue to carry on this legacy. And, for this, we say thank you.
Pearl Harbor Survivors Association
The motto of The Pearl Harbor Survivor Association: "Remember Pearl Harbor: Keep America Alert" is a appropriate for our day and age considering the 9/11 attacks on America. http://www.pearlharborsurvivorsonline.org/ for more information. In addition, visit Remember Pearl Harbor at: http://pearlharborsurvivor.net/.
Of the 84,000 uniformed members on Oahu on December 7, 1941 only approximately 8,000 are alive today. This year's commemoration will be the last for the Association. Chapter president, Chuck Lishman, said recently, "I think it's about time...I'd like to see us go out with dignity." Speaking for all Americans, I'm confident in proclaiming: They are all going out as heroes.
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