Pearl Harbor Day

[MedicDVG]

It is December 7th; Pearl Harbor day. The date that President Roosevelt said was "A date that will live in infamy." This is the September 11th of a past generation. I can remember my grandparents speaking of this as one of those days that the "world changed" in those hushed wispers reserved for topics of great importance. I can still see the haunted, far away look in my Great Uncle's eyes as he talks of WWII and his experiences fighting the Japanese during the war where he tells of the smells of jungles mixed with corpses, gasoline from the flame throwers and the cold sweat of a 19 year old marine's fear.

It makes me reflect on what this country has endured to 'let freedom ring' and what it continues to endure to bring the message of Democracy and Freedom to the world. It makes me sad that there are those that would like nothing better then to destroy this great country, both past and present.

I ask that you take a moment and say a prayer in their honor, a prayer of thanks for their sacrifice, a prayer for peace in our world, and a prayer of hope that our children will never know the fear of war.

[LeatherPants]

I grew up in Hawaii. All my family is still there. The attack on Pearl was something that we should never forget.

[fire1811]

did my moment of silence today.

sadly besides the history channel this is the first thing i have seen posted or said about pearl harbor today.

Thank you soilders past, present, and future

[SCpoloRicker]

sadly besides the history channel this is the first thing i have seen posted or said about pearl harbor today.

Thank you soilders past, present, and future

Strange, I almost forgot. First I have heard of it as well. I support the armed services, and hope that their lives are never forfeited in vain.

[lather]

I can see both the Arizona Memorial and the Battleship Missouri from my house in Pearl City. Been to the Memorial about 8 times and every time its impossible to keep a dry eye. Felt a bit ashamed today when the only thing that reminded me that it was Dec 7 was hearing the jets fly low overhead in tribute.

Anyone vacationing in Hawaii I urge you to please visit the Memorial. Its hard to put into words the feelings you get knowing that there is hundreds of sailors mere feet below you that paid the ultimate sacrifice.


While at Pearl Harbor, take a tour of the Missouri and the Bowfin too. After visiting them it never fails to renew my appreciation and awe of what these guys did for us and our Nation.

[Pickle]

Posted this on one of our websites yesterday.



(December 8, 1941)
To the Congress of the United States:


Yesterday, Dec. 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 the 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 colleagues 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 that our people, our territory and our interests are in grave danger.

With confidence in our armed forces - with the unbounding 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, Dec. 7, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese empire.

[Gtask8]

I know wut happend...I was there.

[nastymag]

i normaly remember every year, i kinda forgot it this year , i can kinda blame that on being really sick though.

there was a nice piece in the newspaper today about it, about the stories of all these veterans.

i have a recording of that FDR speech ... very, i dont know how to put it, powerful.