Is it a day that lives in infamy? That’s what FDR said concerning December 7, 1941, when ”the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.” To live in infamy means that a criminal or evil act will be remembered for time immemorial. Yet, I’m concerned that as the World War II generation passes on into eternity and the Baby Boomers age considerably, the memory of that surprise attack takes on less significance to our younger generations.
A Day That Will Live In Infamy Conversation Starters
Here are a few facts to use as conversation starters to remember Pearl Harbor, those who perished, and those whose families still visit their graves.
In the first five minutes of the two-hour battle, the Japanese sunk five battleships, and 188 aircraft were destroyed at Pearl Harbor.
Six battleships that sustained damage were repaired. Two of those, the USS West Virginia and the USS California, were sunk entirely. The Navy raised, repaired, and reused them. The first repaired battleship returned to service in February 1942.
The top three battleships the Japanese wanted to destroy remained completely intact. The highest-value targets (for example, aircraft carriers) were not in Pearl Harbor that day.
During the attack, the oil spills from the ships were ignited. Some sailors jumped into the burning oil rather than die by drowning, as there were brave young men saving fellow seamen on the water.
There was a Navy seaman who carried his infant daughter’s ashes with him in the hopes of spreading her ashes at sea. December 7 happened, but the baby girl was not forgotten. Her funeral was held in 2003 at the USS Utah Memorial.
Today, I was pleased to hear that my pre-teen and teen students knew about Pearl Harbor and its location and that the United States entered World War II as a response.
Tell the Story
It’s essential to pass on the knowledge of our country’s response to the attack and the heroism of that generation. Otherwise, this historical event could fade into obscurity. The best way to keep Pearl Harbor alive is to start a conversation with the young people in your life. Share the stories to ensure that December 7, 1941, lives in infamy, not only for war but for the courage and unity of our country that day.
This is Common Sense Civics and Citizenship.🇺🇸
More information is available at http://pearlharbor.org
