Pearl Harbor

America came together as one after infamous attack

Just 81 years ago today, Americans awoke to a peaceful Sunday morning. They went to bed that night with the certainty of war.

It was Dec. 7, 1941.

The attack came in two waves and lasted about 90 minutes in all. Forces of the Empire of Japan launched more than 350 aircraft from six aircraft carriers in an effort to cripple the U.S. Pacific Fleet.

By the time it was over, five of the eight battleships at the U.S. Naval Station at Pearl Harbor had been sunk and the other three damaged. The attackers sank or seriously damaged three cruisers, three destroyers and a minelayer as well as other craft. More than 180 aircraft were destroyed.

The death toll was 2,402, with another 1,282 wounded.

The Japanese lost just 29 planes and five midget submarines, with 65 imperial troops dead or wounded.

The next day, President Roosevelt addressed a joint session of Congress. His message was broadcast nationwide, attracting the largest audience in radio history. It’s estimated that 81 percent of American homes tuned in and heard the president say:

“Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, members of the Senate and the House of Representatives: yesterday, December 7th, 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.”

Asking for a declaration of war, President Roosevelt went on to say:

“With confidence in our armed forces — with the unbounding determination of our people — we will gain the inevitable triumph — so help us God.”

And that’s just what happened. America avenged the attack on Pearl Harbor, avenged those lost lives — and saved the world from tyranny in the process.

As you go about your day, remember at least for a moment those whose lives were forever changed by the attack on Pearl Harbor. And remember, too, the sacrifice and service of those who won the war that followed.