Remember When: Pearl Harbor Day
On December 7, 1941, the Imperial Japanese Navy launched a surprise attack on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor, in Hawaii, killing 2,403 Americans and injuring 1,178 others. This attack not only shattered the nation’s isolationist stance but also marked a transformative period in world history, with the United States joining the battle against Axis powers.
Here are some of the events that occurred on that day:
At 7:55 AM Hawaii time, Japanese planes began attacking the naval base at Pearl Harbor.
The attack lasted for two hours and 20 minutes.
By the time the attack was over, the United States had lost 18 ships, including two battleships, and 160 aircraft.
More than 2,400 Americans were killed in the attack, including 68 civilians.
The attack on Pearl Harbor was a shock to the American people.
The country had not been at war since 1918, and most Americans were not prepared for an attack on their own soil.
President Roosevelt's Call to Action: President Franklin D. Roosevelt, in response to the attack, delivered a powerful speech that resonates through the ages. His words, "Yesterday, December 7, 1941, a date which will live in infamy..." captured the gravity of the moment and rallied the nation to stand united against the forces of tyranny.
Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, observed annually on December 7, marks a pivotal moment in American history. Designated by Congress in 1994, it is not a federal holiday but a solemn occasion for reflection and commemoration. Across the nation, flags are flown at half-staff, and numerous events are held to honor those who lost their lives. The day serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by American soldiers and their families during World War II, and the indelible impact the attack had on generations to come.
The USS Arizona Memorial is a key site of remembrance. The marble structure built over the sunken battleship stands as a poignant symbol of the lives lost. Additionally, memorials like the USS Utah and USS Oklahoma serve as solemn reminders of the attack’s devastation.
On this Pearl Harbor Day, let us take a moment to remember the brave men and women who lost their lives in the attack and honor their memory. We must never forget the sacrifices they made for our country.