December 7, 1941: A Date Which Will Live in Infamy…
At 7:53 A.M, SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1941, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii was attacked by the Imperial Japanese Navy. The first surprise attack wave targeted airfields and battleships. The second assault targeted other vessels and shipyard facilities. Many United States service men & women were injured or lost their lives on December 7, 1941. Let’s continue to keep all of them and their families in our prayers on this day of remembrance.
The following two paragraphs are from The Modern War Institute at West Point article, WHY DOES AMERICA REMEMBER PEARL HARBOR?
We remember Pearl Harbor because it was a pivotal moment in the modern history of America and the world. How America responded to Pearl Harbor would determine the outcome of the Second World War. But more than that, it would determine the fate of a dream that freedom and liberty could endure in this world.
It was a collision, not of two navies or two countries, but of two ideas. On one side, a nation in the midst of an era of repression and nationalist aggression. On the other, an idea, not even two centuries old, that people should be free and able to govern themselves. Could democracy win over totalitarianism?
A Proclamation on National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, 2022
On National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, we honor the memories of the 2,403 service members and civilians whose lives were cut short on that tragic December morning. We reflect on the resilience of America’s Armed Forces, who withstood the attack and built the most capable fighting force the world has ever known. In the wake of tragedy, these brave women and men — the Greatest Generation — answered the call to defend freedom, justice, and democracy across the Pacific, throughout Europe, and around the globe. Today, we carry forward their spirit of unity and their enduring resolve to protect the United States against those who seek to do us harm.
This commemoration is also a solemn reminder that our country is capable of achieving great triumphs coming out of dark moments. From the death and destruction at Pearl Harbor came victory over the forces of fascism. Fierce battles with the Axis powers gave way to diplomatic partnerships with strong allies. And from the darkness of World War II came the light of liberty and the establishment of a rules-based international order. Today and every day, we remember that the great and defining truth about our Nation and our people is that there is nothing beyond our capacity — we do not break, we never give in, and we never back down.
The Congress, by Public Law 103–308, as amended, has designated December 7 of each year as “National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.” Today, let us commemorate the patriots who were wounded and who perished on December 7, 1941, and continue to fulfill our sacred obligation to care for our service members and veterans and their families, caregivers, and survivors.
Read the Proclamation at WhiteHouse.gov
On this day of remembrance, I’m proud to share the American Flag for which it stands. I’m also proud to recite out loud the Pledge of Allegiance. Please join me in doing so. Even at a whisper or reciting it to yourself, speaks volumes…
I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
Have a great day. Make it happen. Make it count!
