Posting this a few days early so everyone will have an opportunity to study the attached map which depicts the two attack waves. Important to note that some of the first attacks were on outlying air fields to preclude U.S. air forces from responding to the Japanese attack.
On December 7, 1941, just before 8:00 a.m. Hawaiian time, the first of two waves of Japanese aircraft struck. In less than two hours, the attack destroyed or severely damaged numerous ships and aircraft, including eight battleships. The deadliest loss was the sinking of the USS Arizona, which claimed 1,177 lives. In total, 2,403 Americans—service members and civilians—were killed. President Franklin D. Roosevelt addressed Congress the next day, famously declaring December 7th “a date which will live in infamy.”
The shock of the attack immediately unified the American public, which had been largely reluctant to enter the conflict. The following day, the United States formally declared war on Japan. Days later, Germany and Italy declared war on the U.S., fully drawing America into the global conflagration of World War II. Pearl Harbor was a catastrophic loss, but it became the catalyst for a righteous national commitment, sparking the mobilization that would ultimately lead the Allied forces to victory in 1945. It remains a powerful symbol of sacrifice and national resolve.
Only a handful of Pearl Harbor survivors are still alive and due to their age and medical conditions most are unable to attend this year's ceremony. This year''s honored attendees include one Pearl Harbor survivor, a dozen WWII veterans, a WWII nurse and five Rosie Riveters.
On December 7, 1941, just before 8:00 a.m. Hawaiian time, the first of two waves of Japanese aircraft struck. In less than two hours, the attack destroyed or severely damaged numerous ships and aircraft, including eight battleships. The deadliest loss was the sinking of the USS Arizona, which claimed 1,177 lives. In total, 2,403 Americans—service members and civilians—were killed. President Franklin D. Roosevelt addressed Congress the next day, famously declaring December 7th “a date which will live in infamy.”
The shock of the attack immediately unified the American public, which had been largely reluctant to enter the conflict. The following day, the United States formally declared war on Japan. Days later, Germany and Italy declared war on the U.S., fully drawing America into the global conflagration of World War II. Pearl Harbor was a catastrophic loss, but it became the catalyst for a righteous national commitment, sparking the mobilization that would ultimately lead the Allied forces to victory in 1945. It remains a powerful symbol of sacrifice and national resolve.
Only a handful of Pearl Harbor survivors are still alive and due to their age and medical conditions most are unable to attend this year's ceremony. This year''s honored attendees include one Pearl Harbor survivor, a dozen WWII veterans, a WWII nurse and five Rosie Riveters.
