Sixty Eight years ago this morning, 2,402 Americans lost their lives (1,282 wounded) in the surprise dawn air raid at Pearl Harbor.
The surprise and unprovoked attack on the US Naval Base by Japan initiated America’s entry into World War II. During his famous “Infamy” speech to the Congress on December 8, 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt stated:
“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 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. “
At the moment he was giving this address, it was unclear to the President and his military staff just what the total extent of the damage was to the United States Pacific Fleet. Some were convinced that the attack at Pearl Harbor was the beginning of other air attacks soon to hit the west coast. A few military analysts believed that a Japanese ground force invasion of California was imminent. By all accounts the United States was not prepared to enter the conflict in terms of either machinery or manpower. The United States was not yet prepared to go to war.
Given the immense military power of both Japan and Germany, seen almost as unstoppable forces at the time, the outcome, in fact the fate of our nation was completely uncertain. Some had long been advocating against the United States’ involvement in a global conflict, arguing that appeasement in the face of this overwhelming force was the only way we could remain independent.
In the weeks and months after Pearl Harbor, and upon hearing Roosevelt’s call, millions of Americans volunteered to serve in the military or joined the war effort in some other way. At the end of the war over 400,000 had given their lives to stop tyranny and genocide and to ultimately preserve our way of life and the freedoms we currently enjoy today. All of us can remember the stories of our family members who were part of this “greatest generation” and as I think back with pride on the contributions and sacrifices made by my grandfather, his siblings and their friends in that conflict I must remember that we would live in a much different and darker world had they not stood up to defend their country in one of its darkest and neediest hours.
It is hard to imagine what the world we live in today would be like if the Empire of Japan and Nazi Germany had prevailed over the allies. But in December 1941 the "grave danger" Roosevelt warned of was a very real possibility. What is certain is that our rights and freedoms that we cherish as United States citizens would have been lost forever and the horrific genocide perpetrated by the Nazi’s against the Jewish people and others in Europe would certainly have been globalized.
As we go about our busy lives today I think it is important to take a moment to remember and reflect upon all of those who died not only at Pearl Harbor but in the ensuing four-year conflict that followed. And, if you are lucky enough to still have a veteran from that conflict in your life perhaps take some time to say thanks while you still can.
