December 7th
 

Pretty soon there won't be anyone left who remembers it directly...

Thats Deep.

I still remember the emotion my wife and I felt when we visited the memorial.......it was chilling to us. I hope we never forget how we felt that day I'm pretty sure we won't.

"a date which will live in infamy."

They are The Greatest Generation, in so many ways.

buddy, at work(still working), was in grade 6 when it happened.

My Dad just turned 90. Retired petty officer who served in Pacific during WWII. He's still a tough-minded guy. I'm glad to have been raised by greatest generation.

Is Washington doing anything special or did they forget?!

no and no...they just don't care. I could be wrong.

No gain to be realized so screw it.

There are some events around the country to observe the day --- but not sure if Washington is involved except to fly our flag at half mast.

BTW, December 7 was officially proclaimed in 2007 as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day by Congress and signed into legislation by President George W. Bush:

On December 7, 1941, our Nation was viciously attacked at Pearl Harbor, America's Pacific Fleet was battered and broken, and more than 2,400 American lives were lost. On National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, America honors those brave individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our homeland, and we recognize those veterans who with strength and resolve defended our Nation and advanced the cause of freedom during World War II.

When it mattered most, an entire generation of Americans stepped forward to protect our freedom and to defend liberty. Their devotion to duty and willingness to serve a cause greater than self helped secure our future and our way of life. Liberty prevailed because of the sacrifice of these courageous patriots, and America and her allies preserved a world where democracy could flourish. Our Nation remains forever in the debt of these brave Americans.

From the unprovoked attack at Pearl Harbor grew a steadfast resolve that has made America a defender of freedom around the world, and our mission continues as our men and women in uniform serve at home and in distant lands. Today, as we defend our Nation's founding ideals, we pay special tribute to those who lost their lives at Pearl Harbor, honor our veterans of World War II, and celebrate the liberty that makes America a lasting symbol of hope to the world.

The Congress, by Public Law 103 308, as amended, has designated December 7 of each year as "National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day."

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim December 7, 2007, as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. I encourage all Americans to observe this solemn occasion with appropriate ceremonies and activities. I urge all Federal agencies, interested organizations, groups, and individuals to fly the flag of the United States at half-staff this December 7 in honor of those who died as a result of their service at Pearl Harbor.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this

fourth day of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand seven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-second.

GEORGE W. BUSH


National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, 2007

Worth repeating again.

This thread should be at the top of the list, all day.

Apparently many are more concerned about a 95 year old dead South African these days instead of remembering those thousands of young Americans that payed the ultimate price for the good old USA. I am almost glad my grandfather and his brothers who gave so much during WW2 are no longer around to witness what has become of this nation.

It shouldn't be a contest, Tim. (Not implying that is what you're saying.) Both are sad events. But one was a natural life cycle event, and the other an act of war in which almost 2500 people died within 90 minutes. Both are things to be remembered with heavy hearts. But as an American, I know for which one I would be flying my flag (if I had a pole in front of my house) at half mast today.

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/12/08/u5ahupar.jpg

Pearl Harbor Memorial when I visited several years ago. I cried watching the videos and interviews from the civilians and military men. Sad day. :(

My Dad was celebrating his 12th birthday in Amherst Junction Wisconsin, which at the time was known as Junction City. And in 1976 it was the day my Dad's first Grand Child was born, Jason.

It was the first day of the Battle of Wake Island, the first battle of Guam and the day they also attacked the Philippines. A sad day indeed, not only did it put the noose around many Japanese but it changed the US and the rest of the world, Forever.

This is where I have to beg for your forgiveness guys. My stupid post comes from not thinking and not being American. I was not aware of the historical status of that particular date. My apologies.

My grandfather was there at Pearl Harbor. His dad died when he was 5 and his mom tought school. He did ROTC at Michigan Tech in the 30's and went through the civilian pilot training program but it turned out he was color blind so they had him be a civil engineer (probably the reason I'm here today). As soon as the air raid started they put him and the rest of the engineers in a bunker. He went through the whole pacific campaign building runways and stuff. He bought a used car on Saturday the 6th and it was was pretty much destroyed. He passed away the day before I turned 3. I really wish I had gotten to spend much more time with him.

December 7th
 

Both deserve remembrance - and to not be forgotten. Visiting the Arizona memorial is on my bucket list.

Same here. I'm way too young to have been there, but Pearl Harbor and the subsequent war in the Pacific has always captivated my attention. So many stories of bravery, trickery, out smarting the enemy, and sacrifice. Godspeed to our men and women in uniform, both today and of years past. They truly are the best of us.

Tomorrow we lay my grandfather-in-law to rest in a full military service. Though he wasn't in PH, he did serve the Pacific Theater. Hell of a guy; His parents passed when he was 11, forcing him and his younger brother at 9 to go to work to support their other siblings. As he was the oldest, Ed increased his workload so his younger brother could attend college.
It's interesting to observe how this level of sacrifice enriched so many within the family; his brother's offspring have become all very educated, successful white collar professionals, while his family (my father-in-law) produced several resourceful "grinders" who do the best they can with the tools provided to them, in turn just as successful. Remarkable to see the influence, the legacy cast by these two gentlemen.
I am so humbled by it all and by the various stories I've had the pleasure of hearing on this board.

While I agree with the significance of the day and the sacrifices made by our nation...I can't help but think about so many soldiers in our current generation who have served valiantly and honorably for many, many more days in combat (with rules of engagement that make them sitting ducks)...who are never mentioned with such reverence. Greatest generation? It may not be the one we think of...at least not militarily. If you believe in the current welfare state, maybe that is their greatest achievement. I am not sure that was the correct path to take.

You are absolutely the last person on this board to be suspected of malice or mean spiritedness.

I just heard today about a Pearl Harbor vet who was bumped from a flight headed to Hawaii to take part in a ceremony.

The airline decided to take on extra fuel because of weather conditions and he was one of the passengers taken off (for weight considerations) and re-scheduled for a later flight and that flight was delayed by weather about 6 hours.

Wow.....talk about priorities..... :(