[ARCHIVED THREAD] - December 7, 1941 (Page 1 of 2)
Posted: 12/7/2013 12:29:15 AM EDT
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Yesterday, December 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 its government and its emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific. Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in the American island of Oahu, the Japanese ambassador to the United States and his colleague delivered to our 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. I regret to tell you that 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 as 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 Japanese forces attacked Wake Island. And this morning the Japanese attacked Midway Island. Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday and today 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. But always will our whole nation remember the character of the onslaught against us. . . . -FDR- 
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| I miss the stories my grandpa use to tell of that day. He was at pearl when it was attacked. Went on to fight in the Pacific and then re-enlisted and fought on the European front. Brought my grandma home from Germany. Still to this date he's the toughest short guy I've ever seen. He lied about his age and joined the military when he was only 15. Man I miss that old man. RIP Grandpa. |
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72 years ago day, Japanese forces attacked U.S. Naval base Pearl Harbor in Hawaii.
Arguably one of the most tragic days in U.S. military history, veterans and U.S. citizens across America remember Pearl Harbor Day as one of the worst days in U.S. military history. 2,402 member of the U.S. armed forces were killed on Dec. 7, 1941, which President Roosevelt called a date which will live in infamy, and an additional 1,282 were wounded in the attacks. |
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Saw an older gentleman a couple weeks back, I don't know if a hat is telling but it had on it USS Arizona December 7.
I assume he was at Pearl Harbor, was very surprised for how old he was and looked he still moved like he was probably 50. I wanted to ask him but I decided not to though. The whole time I saw him I was wondering what he probably saw then. Let it set on with me that I was standing next to a man who saw and probably experienced the beginning of our entrance into World War 2. God Bless the greatest generation. There will never another one like them.
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Quoted:
My dad was over in the pacific. Made it to Japan. He seen a lot. Miss him too. <a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/500magnumnut/media/gun%20room/Dad2.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v508/500magnumnut/gun%20room/Dad2.jpg</a> <a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/500magnumnut/media/gun%20room/Dad3.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v508/500magnumnut/gun%20room/Dad3.jpg</a> <a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/500magnumnut/media/gun%20room/Dad1.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v508/500magnumnut/gun%20room/Dad1.jpg</a> That's why I became a gun nut because of all the cool stuff I learned about in WWII. I made a dumb short movie on how to load the M1 Garand as he taught me as a kid. I've shot the gun a lot over the years. After I made the movie, I never expected it to be so popular, as some never heard of the several different ways to load it. I practiced hip / point shooting with it. Inside 50 yards it's minute of bad guy. He said it's faster to shoot it this way than to aim at them. Lots of other stuff......  http://youtu.be/5GdTKm4eBAslove that Enbloc ping!!! |
The bell from the USS Arizona. It was made from copper and silver mined in Arizona. It hangs in a tower over the student union at the University of Arizona. and an interesting story about the man who helped put it there: UofA Alum and veteran Bill Bowers |
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Quoted:
the majority of americans have forgotten...  Indeed.
On a similar note, check out the difference between the Bing and Google homepages today. Bing = Pearl Harbor tribute. Google = normal, with only a note about fucking Mandela, not a thing about Pearl or WWII. |
| We had the privilege of visiting Pearl harbor a few days after the wife and I got married. The emotions were overwhelming just walking through the gates. We were only there for a couple hours but we barely chipped the surface. I will go back before I die. Amazing place. |
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If you ever have an opportunity to go to the Arizona Memorial you should go, unforgetable experience.
When I see an older veteran with a hat I'll tell them "Thank you for your service", sometimes you'll strike up an amazing conversation. Some don't like to talk about it so just let it go. |
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Quoted:
Indeed.
On a similar note, check out the difference between the Bing and Google homepages today. Bing = Pearl Harbor tribute. Google = normal, with only a note about fucking Mandela, not a thing about Pearl or WWII. Quoted:
Quoted:
the majority of americans have forgotten... Indeed.
On a similar note, check out the difference between the Bing and Google homepages today. Bing = Pearl Harbor tribute. Google = normal, with only a note about fucking Mandela, not a thing about Pearl or WWII. Bing: 
Google: 
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My Dad lost a brother in Pearl Harbor. Dad answered the door and received the letter as they were having Christmas. Tried not telling his parents at that time but they insisted on who was at the door. Was a bad Christmas for sure!!
Losing a brother was the reason my Dad joined up before he was 'of age'. Parents didn't like the idea but Dad insisted until they signed the release form. Obviously my Dad made it out alive as I am here; but the ships he was on was hit twice. He was blind for over 2 weeks from one of the hits. Only purple heart in the family is from my would be uncles death. It now hangs in a case in my house along with a couple other medals of Dad's.
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