Friday, December 7th marks the pivotal 71st anniversary of the attacks on our American naval base in Hawaii by the Japanese known as Pearl Harbor. Until 9/11 attack, the surprise early-morning attack on Dec. 7, 1941, stood as the most devastating enemy attack on U.S. soil.
On this date, numerous Navy ships were lost along with more than 2,000 American lives. In addition to those killed during the attack, more than 1,000 were also wounded. Americans serving at Pearl Harbor responded quickly to the attack but the damage was mostly done. This attack was completely unprovoked but ultimately resulted in America being pulled out of its feeling of isolation.
As President Roosevelt stated on that day, it is a “date that will live in infamy.”
This attack is what prompted the United States to officially become a participant in World War II, a war that would result in the loss of many more American lives as well as lives from countries around the world.
While December 7th is not a national holiday, it is officially proclaimed as a day of remembrance by the President of the United States each year. A Presidential Proclamation is signed by the President to show his support of the day and to also remember all of those involved in the events at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.
Along with that, Americans are encouraged to attend memorial events and activities in their area and federal agencies and other interested civilians are encouraged to fly the flag at half-staff on that day.
In Hawaii, there are several memorials dedicated to those who fought that day and to those who lost their lives in the fight. Americans are encouraged to pause to remember those we lost as well as pay their respects and show their appreciation to the many Americans who volunteered to serve after the attacks.