Don't Forget What Today Is

[SGT Dave]

December 7.

61 years ago, 2000+ soldiers, sailors, Marines, and civilians were killed in the attack on Pearl Harbor. It of course, caused us to become a combatant in World War II.

I appreciate the date as a historian, but also it reminds me of ALL the dates when we, as freedom loving Americans have been savagely attacked when we had lulled ourselves into believing no one could or would attack us.

"It can't happen to me" is as much a problem for our nation as it is individuals who become victims of crime. Indeed, “It can’t happen to US!”

Never, never, never, NEVER marginalize or trivialize the value of our military and sacrifices of the members thereof, and appreciate the BLESSING (whether you are God-fearing or athiest!) you enjoy by living in the United States. Never tire of hearing this or seeing this message reiterated or repeated, unless of course you are one of those who think it can't happen to us.

God bless the USA.

[Sam]

Amen to that, thanks for reminding us.

[Don]

Thanks for the post Dave.

[shooter1201]

The dad of my best friend in high school was in Pearl(USN) on 07DEC1941. He recently passed away. I'll never forget the things he told me about that day.

[CinaC]

quote:

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[quote]Yesterday, Dec. 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.

The United States was at peace with that nation and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with the government and its emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific.

Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in Oahu, the Japanese ambassador to the United States and his colleagues delivered to the Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message. While this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or armed attack.

It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time, the Japanese government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.

The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. Very many American lives have been lost. In addition, American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.

Yesterday, the Japanese government also launched an attack against Malaya.

Last night, Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong.

Last night, Japanese forces attacked Guam.

Last night, Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands.

Last night, the Japanese attacked Wake Island.

This morning, the Japanese attacked Midway Island.

Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation.

As commander in chief of the Army and Navy, I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense.

Always will we remember the character of the onslaught against us.

No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory.

I believe I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost, but will make very certain that this form of treachery shall never endanger us again.

Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that that our people, our territory and our interests are in grave danger.

With confidence in our armed forces - with the unbounding determination of our people - we will gain the inevitable triumph - so help us God.

I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, Dec. 7, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese empire.

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[Mitzi]

It was a sad day indeed and the war that followed was devastating. My uncle, now in his 80's, had his best friend die in his arms aon D-DY. Evryone tells me he has never been the same since. I always disliked being around him because he seemed so grumpy all the time.
Uncle George never really recovered. My Dad was shot down over New Zealand and barely escaped with his life. Both discus the war ONLY with each other. My Uncle is stil deeply affected.
I watched my Dad and Uncle siting and talking last Christmas, my uncle in his wheel chair with a lap blanket, my Dad leaning over to hear him. And I realized it's because of people like them we are all able to live in the freedom we have now.
We all owe them and all people in the military such deep gratitude.

[Piper]

Thank you for reminding us.

[ASOinFL]

Lot's of the senior's of today were the hero's of yesterday........and I see all these later generations treat them with less respect then they deserve. Make's me mad. Probably one of the reasons I'm real harsh on those who committ crimes against seniors.

I'm sure the hero's of Sep 11 will probably one day be cast aside by the new generations and only the military/ law enforcement/ and other patriots will remember them. Heck....maybe someone will post a thing about it on the board here in 40 years.

Dec 7, Never forget. What was the total loss of life that day?