It remains, 73 years later, a day that lives in infamy. Yet while the Pearl Harbor attack of Dec. 7, 1941, reigns as a defining moment in our nations history, it is increasingly fading from living memory — as history inevitably does. Time, inexorably, marches on. And that fact, perhaps, makes it particularly important to remember Pearl Harbor and the impact it had on the world. As those who lived through it, those who became defined as The Greatest Generation, pass beyond lives well lived, there still are lessons that must be learned in order to properly serve their memories. On Sunday, December 7th, 1941 the Japanese launched a surprise attack against the U.S. Forces stationed at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. By planning his attack on a Sunday, the Japanese commander Admiral Nagumo, hoped to catch the entire fleet in port. As luck would have it, the Aircraft Carriers and one of the Battleships were not in port. (The USS Enterprise was returning from Wake Island, where it had just delivered some aircraft. The USS Lexington was ferrying aircraft to Midway, and the USS Saratoga and USS Colorado were undergoing repairs in the United States.) In spite of the latest intelligence reports about the missing aircraft carriers (his most important targets), Admiral Nagumo decided to continue the attack with his force of six carriers and 423 aircraft. At a range of 230 miles north of Oahu, he launched the first wave of a two-wave attack. Beginning at 0600 hours his first wave consisted of 183 fighters and torpedo bombers, which struck at the fleet in Pearl Harbor and the airfields in Hickam, Kaneohe and Ewa. The second strike, launched at 0715 hours, consisted of 167 aircraft, which again struck at the same targets. At 0753 hours the first wave consisting of 40 Nakajima B5N2 Kate torpedo bombers, 51 Aichi D3A1 Val dive bombers, 50 high altitude bombers and 43 Zeros struck airfields and Pearl Harbor. Within the next hour, the second wave arrived and continued the attack. When it was over, the U.S. losses were: Casualties USA: 218 KIA, 364 WIA. USN: 2,008 KIA, 710 WIA. USMC: 109 KIA, 69 WIA. Civilians: 68 KIA, 35 WIA. TOTAL: 2,403 KIA, 1,178 WIA. Those who survived the attack 73 years ago had their innocence taken away from them – life’s expectations were overturned as new priorities for survival prevailed. Plans were changed and aligned with the march to war. Their lives were transformed forever. And so was the rest of the world. As we preserve the memory, one thing we must keep, understand and cherish is the sense of brotherhood – the bond – felt by our World War II Greatest Generation. You can see that strong sense of kinship today among our Pearl Harbor survivors who helped unite all Americans. The bond of kinship on the battlefield has been a powerful force in all our conflicts, including both world wars, Korea and Vietnam. Today, it’s no different. Many veterans, including wounded warriors, return willingly and repeatedly to fight the war against violent extremists alongside their brothers and sisters. Perhaps if we understand and fully appreciate that bond we can learn how to apply it universally, collectively. And when we fully comprehend commitment beyond our own self-interest, we can preserve the peace and freedom we enjoy. God Bless all the brave men, women, and children who died 73 years ago today. Let’s make sure their deaths continue to mean something–that we never forget. Memorial ~ My brothers lie in state, In clear waters Of testimony, their willingness To answer our Nation’s call. An angel bends down, whispers in my ear, Never forget. Never forget. Honor them. They Gave their lives for you. No man hath a greater love. Do them honor. And never forget. What the attack on Pearl Harbor shows us is that as much as things change, the true fabric of America has not and will not. Americans will always sacrifice when called upon and we will always support those in a time of need. This year, we want to remember Pearl Harbor Day with pride as Americans united as a country to defeat those who wished us harm. It remains an important example of our ability as Americans to unite and assist those who need our help this holiday season.
Posted on: Sun, 07 Dec 2014 16:04:39 +0000
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