On December 7, 1941, a surprise attack by Japanese forces on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii changed the course of history. More than 2,400 Americans were killed and over 1,100 were wounded in the attack, which also destroyed or damaged nearly 20 American ships and over 300 planes. The next day, President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared war on Japan and joined the Allies in World War II, calling the attack “a date which will live in infamy”.
Today, we observe National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day to honor and remember the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives for our freedom and democracy. We also commemorate the valor and resilience of those who survived and fought on, as well as the spirit of peace and reconciliation that emerged after the war. We pay tribute to the heroes who defended our nation and the ideals we cherish, and we reaffirm our commitment to uphold their legacy of hope for a better world.
There are many ways to observe Pearl Harbor Day and learn more about its significance. You can visit the Pearl Harbor National Memorial in Hawaii, where you can see the USS Arizona Memorial, the USS Oklahoma Memorial, and the USS Utah Memorial, which honor the service members who were killed in the attack. You can also watch the annual commemoration ceremony online, which features speeches, music, wreath presentations, and a moment of silence. You can also read books, watch documentaries, or listen to podcasts that tell the stories of Pearl Harbor survivors and veterans. You can also thank a veteran or a service member for their service and dedication to our country.
Pearl Harbor Day is not only a day of remembrance, but also a day of hope. It reminds us of the courage and sacrifice of our heroes, the strength and unity of our nation, and the power and possibility of peace. It inspires us to work together for a more peaceful and prosperous future for ourselves and generations to come.
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