Eighty years ago, the United States was changed forever. It was on December 7, 1941, Pearl Harbor was attacked, and our Nation was stunned and shocked. However, what came of that day saw the greatest generation—those who came forward to answer a great challenge as 16 million took up arms in the struggle—step up to defend our country.
Each year on December 7th, we come together to honor and remember the 2,403 service members and civilians who were killed and 1,178 injured during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor which permanently sank two U.S. Navy battleships (the USS Arizona and the USS Utah) and destroyed 188 aircraft.
It was on that day our courageous men and women, while under attack in Pearl Harbor, unified and used such a tragic event to care for one another like we have never seen before.
So, 80 years later, let us take a moment to remember our Pearl Harbor Veterans, and please take time today to reflect on our mission and responsibility to honor the sacrifices made by our country’s Veterans at Pearl Harbor.