Project seeks readers’ help

Seventy-five years ago this week, the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor prompted America’s formal entry in to World War II, a conflict that would transform the nation and along with it Oklahoma and its people.

Almost 5,500 Oklahoma service members would die in the conflict. Those who survived the battles are either long-grayed or gone now.

So too, are those who manned the home front, who staffed the factories, bought the war bonds and endured the rationing of everything from sugar to coffee to shoes.

Today, the memories of those days and the generation that lived through them are left to be kept alive by sons and daughters, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Many of their mementos lay stashed under beds, in closets or away in attics.

To commemorate this landmark anniversary, The

Oklahoman today begins a series “Memories of War,” which will include photos, videos, archival accounts, interviews and other elements that seek to recreate those turbulent times as they unfolded.

The first account today, by reporter Matt Patterson, includes interviews with two veterans and explores Oklahoma leading up to that fateful December day “that will live in infamy.”

On Wednesday, Patterson will look at how

The Oklahoman’s coverage of the Pearl Harbor anniversary has evolved through the years.

In the coming months, we’ll do more stories about World War II, both in the newspaper and even more online at NewsOK.com. We’ll be following not just what was happening in Europe, North Africa and the Pacific, but also in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Norman and elsewhere in the Sooner state.

More than anything, we want to tell your stories, to share your memories. To do that, we need your help.

Do you have photos, letters, diaries, mementos or a good tale you’d like to share with our readers related to World War II? If so, drop us a line at mpatterson@oklahoman.com or poconnor@oklahoman.com

We can’t wait to hear from you. Thanks for reading.