December 7, 1941 - December 7, 2016 Today is the 75th Anniversary of the Attack on Pearl Harbor
The U.S.S Arizona after her forward magazine exploded.
"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." Thus began President Franklin D. Roosevelt's speech to Congress to request a declaration of war after the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor that brought the U.S. into World War II.
At 7:54 am the U.S. military forces were at peace and enjoying a Sunday morning. At 7:55 am that peace was forever broken, and by the time that surprise attack was over, 2,403 American military personnel had been killed and another 1,178 wounded. 18 out of 96 vessels present in the harbor were either sunk or seriously damaged, Including 5 battleships, 3 light cruisers, and 3 destroyers. Naval and Marine aircraft losses were 92 planes destroyed and 31 damaged. Army Air Corps (before there was a U.S. Air Force) aircraft losses were 73 planes destroyed and 128 damaged. Civilian casualties were 68 citizens killed and 35 wounded.
We owe it to those lost that day to remember that day, remember their sacrifice, and to support our military so that they are always prepared to meet any and all threats against us or against them forever more.
The U.S.S. Arizona today, now a memorial to that tragic day
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My mother in law was three years old and in Pearl Harbor at the time, and she remembered it clearly enough to tell us about it. When I lived on Maui, I made a point of visiting the Memorial every year. It's definitely something that will be with us for eternity.
Thank you for sharing that story. And personally I think Maui is the best of the Hawaiian islands, if any part of paradise can be better than any other part that is.
@RealMustangGuy: Maui has always been my favorite, but of course I would say that after spending my entire childhood there. I still have family there, so I get to go visit when I get homesick.
@silentwriter180: I've been to all the main islands, and Maui is my favorite. That must have been an amazing place to grow up. Glad you can go back and visit.
