It was on this day, 71 years ago, that the United States of America was maliciously and without provocation or warning, attacked by the Imperial Navy of Japan at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Over 2,400 Americans lost their lives, with 85% of the Pacific fleet destroyed or damaged.
It was the start of the war for us here in America and the thinking at the time was "We didn't start this war, but by God we will finish it!". My grandfather fought in this war, as did my wife's grandfather and it is to men like them that we owe a great deal of gratitude and thanks. So for all of you who have served, no matter what theater, thank you for serving your country and defending this country.
As FDR stated, this is "a date which will live in infamy" and I hope that we never, ever forget the date and what happened.
I came across this video on YouTube, about the attack and there are some interesting tidbits from Japanese citizens as they heard the news of the attack. I think it's worth the time to watch it.
After you watch it, remember these words from Isoroku Yamamoto, who was a Japanese Naval Marshal Admiral and the commander-in-chief of the Combined Fleet during World War II, a graduate of the Imperial Japanese Naval Academy. He is quoted in the movie "Tora Tora Tora" with this saying after the Japanese planes returned from their fight:
"I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with a terrible resolve."Even though he orchestrated the attack on Pearl Harbor, he was greatly disturbed that it was a sneak attack and told the Japanese Admiralty that "He could run wild for six months in the Pacific. After that I have no expectation of success."
Six months later we defeated the Japanese at Midway, and from that point on, we never looked back.
Take the time out today to thank a veteran for their service. If you know of any living survivors of World War II, shake their hand and say thank you. Remember Freedom is never free.
Thank you for reading. Have a great rest of the day.
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