On December 7, 1941, Japan launched a surprise attack against the US on the Pacific Fleet in Pearl Harbor Hawaii. More than 3,500 people were wounded or killed.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt addressed Congress and the nation the next day saying “American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory”. He also said his historical phrase “A date which will live in Infamy”. President Roosevelt's description was profoundly accurate capturing the lasting impact of that pivotal moment in history. Only a few hours after his speech the US entered WWII.
According to the US department of defense. The crew of the USS Arizona on Dec. 7, 1941, included 38 sets of brothers and one father and son. Three of the sets included three brothers each, making 79 brothers total assigned to the battleship. Sixty-three of them died in the attack, along with the father and son, Thomas Augusta Free and William Thomas Free. Only one family had both brothers survive: Kenneth Warriner was off the ship, training in San Diego; his brother, Russell, was badly burned but survived.
As devastating as the losses were the US had a serendipitous moment when 3 of our ships were not in the harbor on the day of the planned attack. The USS Enterprise, the USS Lexington, and the USS Saratoga were all sent on different missions and tasks saving many lives.
Overall, the attack on Pearl Harbor was devastating, the loss of life, and resources was pretty serious, and the resulting American involvement in World War II changed the world forever.
Tomorrow is the 83 anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor. As we move forward, it is important to look back and remember the sacrifice of those who came before us.
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