Remembering Pearl Harbor … December 7, 1941 … Thank You to the Greatest Generation

DO NOT EVER FORGET PEARL HARBOR AND ALL THOSE LOST ON THAT FATEFUL DAY

Take time today to remember December 7, 1941 … a date that will live in infamy. For if we do not remember the past we are destine to repeat history. World War II veterans and others observers will commemorate the 67th anniversary of the devastating and infamous Japanese military raid on Pearl Harbor. The theme of the event  is “Pacific War Memories: The Heroic Response to Pearl Harbor.” 

Please take time to thank the brave men and women of our countries “Greatest Generation”, as sadly due to death and disability we are losing them every day. So many sacrificed and gave their lives against the evils of their day so that we could be free today. Always remember, FREEDOM is never free. To those that made the greatest sacrifice thank you and you are always in our prayers.

Go to the Volokh Conspiracy to see a fantastic remembrance of Pearl Harbor as they visited Hawaii to celebrate their own anniversary.

I write this as I look out my 29th floor hotel room in the direction of Pearl Harbor. My wife and I came to Oahu, Hawaii to celebrate our 29th anniversary on December 2nd. Although it is a coincidence that we are still here on December 7th, it still feels eerie.

 

Some of the “Greatest Generation” below reuniting for Pearl Harbor ceremonies.

AP Video, Pearl Harbor remembered …

 

December 7, 1941, a date that will live in infamy from President FDR’s address on December 8, 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.”