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December 7, 2004
Legend's View:
To remember past makes better future
On Sunday, Dec. 7, 1941, at 7:30 in the morning the Japanese launched an unprovoked attack on Pearl Harbor and Hickam Airfield on the island of Hawaii. The attack was carried out in three waves, beginning with the initial attack on the harbor; five ships were severely damaged, both the USS Arizona and Oklahoma were completely destroyed.
The sneak attack on Pearl Harbor killed 2,388 Americans. Two-thirds of the casualties at Pearl Harbor were aboard the Arizona. Traditionally, when a ship is brought into port, all fuel and ammunition is unloaded; unfortunately, the battleship was fully loaded with ammunition and fueled up, ready to go to sea. The first wave of attacks hit the center of the Arizona, causing all of the ammunition and fuel to explode, leaving no chance for crew members to escape from what ended up being their tomb.
The Japanese had a major goal that day. Their mission was to disable America by bombing U.S. aircraft carriers and by destroying American air support at Hickam Airfield. All of the U.S. military carriers were at sea, leaving only the American fleet of battleships in the harbor. The USS Colorado, Maryland, West Virginia, California and Tennessee were also damaged, but were repaired and served throughout the remainder of World War II.
The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor was the second hit on American soil in history. The third attack on American soil came on Sept. 11, 2001, leaving 3,030 dead and 2,337 injured. As most Americans slept, planes were being hi-jacked with the intent of destroying key landmarks in the United States. The planes destroyed both towers of the World Trade Center, damaged the Pentagon, and fortunately, the last plane was brought down in a Pennsylvania field before it could hone in on its target. The terrorist groups had specific goals, mostly intimidation, but America stood proud, just as it did on the morning of Dec. 7.
Pearl Harbor will always be remembered in the words of Franklin D. Roosevelt, “Yesterday, Dec. 7, 1941 — a date which will live in infamy...” The events of Sept. 11 will also always be remembered as “The Day the World Changed.” And it did. For those who helplessly watched the destruction of Manhattan’s skyline, a sudden fear grew throughout America. “Where are they headed next? Are we going to war?”
It was inspiring to see a sudden change in patriotism. Flags were flown all across America daily, rain or shine. Bumper stickers were displayed proudly on the rear of cars, and young men and women ran quickly to join the Armed Forces, with love for America in their hearts.
The reaction of America to both Pearl Harbor and Sept. 11 was very similar. Americans stood proud, becoming involved in the effort of keeping this country safe. Young men ages 18-25 ran to enlist in the military in 1941, same as young men and women did in 2001. Fear and pride sparked urgency, uncertainty. Mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters lost loved ones. Many holidays passed without knowing if the servicemen and women would be home for the holidays, but still pride overcame sadness.
It seems, however, that as the years go by, Pearl Harbor is not remembered. It is lost with a generation that has for the most part, perished. Most of the survivors of the Pearl Harbor attacks have since passed. Every year fewer and fewer memorials are held in remembrance of the men and women who gave their lives, despite their fear, 63 years ago.
Of course, it seems natural that a ceremony would be held here, in Arizona, because of the casualties aboard the USS Arizona. After all, the anchor of the battleship sits as a reminder at the Capitol Building here in Phoenix. After searching for any events scheduled for Dec. 7, nothing was found. Has Pearl Harbor become just a memory, instead of a reminder of the strength and perseverance that lives in the hearts of Americans?
The USS Arizona stands for freedom. Do not forget those who have gone before. Give support to the troops who are fighting in Iraq, and remember those who paved the way for the freedom that Americans enjoy everyday in our homeland and overseas.
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