Posted on 12/07/2007 11:55:21 AM PST by america4vr
On December 7, 1941, our Nation was viciously attacked at Pearl Harbor, America's Pacific Fleet was battered and broken, and more than 2,400 American lives were lost. On National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, America honors those brave individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our homeland, and we recognize those veterans who with strength and resolve defended our Nation and advanced the cause of freedom during World War II.
When it mattered most, an entire generation of Americans stepped forward to protect our freedom and to defend liberty. Their devotion to duty and willingness to serve a cause greater than self helped secure our future and our way of life. Liberty prevailed because of the sacrifice of these courageous patriots, and America and her allies preserved a world where democracy could flourish. Our Nation remains forever in the debt of these brave Americans.
From the unprovoked attack at Pearl Harbor grew a steadfast resolve that has made America a defender of freedom around the world, and our mission continues as our men and women in uniform serve at home and in distant lands. Today, as we defend our Nation's founding ideals, we pay special tribute to those who lost their lives at Pearl Harbor, honor our veterans of World War II, and celebrate the liberty that makes America a lasting symbol of hope to the world.
The Congress, by Public Law 103 308, as amended, has designated December 7 of each year as "National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day."
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim December 7, 2007, as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. I encourage all Americans to observe this solemn occasion with appropriate ceremonies and activities. I urge all Federal agencies, interested organizations,
(Excerpt) Read more at whitehouse.gov ...
Even today Japan, its culture, manifest the same smug, elitist attitude they've harbored about themselves throughout history, still worshiping the kamikaze fighters of WWII as heroes and gods. The manner in which they've stonewalled any attempt by surviving Korean comfort women to seek redress against the government emphatically demonstrates how they are wholly bereft of any remorse, compassion or semblance of humanity.
Japan displayed every bit the brutality, savagery, inhumanity as their fellow Axis partner, Nazi Germany, yet observe the dichotomy in the manner in which their post warattitudes differ so remarkably.
Yet with all that encompasses the vast voluminous storehouse of historical proof, evidence documenting the unprecedented Japanese horror and brutality, they have the brazen, unmitigated gall to milk whatever emotional capital the bombing of Hiroshima an Nagasaki can muster in proclaiming themselves pitiful, hapless victims of a merciless US war machine taking out its vengeance on the innocent.
These were our men, our sailors, our boys, whom the Japanese massacred. Every time I see a glorious mushroom cloud I think of those who needlessly died at the hands of these butchers. "This one's for you, boys"
I don't ever want to hear another maudlin, nauseating pukefest whereby Hiroshima, Nagasaki are labeled as atrocities.
War is Hell. The Japanese gave us war, we gave them hell.
I spent two weeks working at the Arizona Memorial for my reserve duty. It was very odd watching the attitude of the Japanese tourists. A lot of smiles and of course lots of pictures.
Without the bomb, it was estimated that we would have lost another 500,000 men and women. It’s sad but I believe it was necessary.
We noticed that most of the Japanese tourists were tossing flowers and lei’s into the water at the site. It was almost as if they were memorializing the American dead for their sacrifice. Maybe their motive was completely hostile, but that was our take on what we observed.
2 things:
“I consider it no sacrifice to die for my country. In my mind, we came here to thank God that men like these have lived rather than to regret that they have died.”
General George S. Patton
“You did the right thing. You know the Japanese attitude at that time, how fanatic they were, they’d die for the Emperor...Every man, woman, and child would have resisted that invasion with sticks and stones if necessary...Can you imagine what a slaughter it would be to invade Japan? It would have been terrible. The Japanese people know more about it than the American public will ever know.”
Japanese pilot Mitsuo Fuchida in a conversation with Paul Tibbets.
Taken from Flyboys by James Bradley
Lest we forget.....
A date which will live in infamy
Franklin D. Roosevelt: “A date which will live in infamy” 8 December 1941
Yesterday, December 7, 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.
The United States was at peace with that nation and, at the
solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its Government
and its Emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the
Pacific. Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced
bombing in Oahu, the Japanese Ambassador to the United States and his
colleague delivered to the Secretary of State a formal reply to a
recent American message. While this reply stated that it seemed
useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained
no threat or hint of war or armed attack.
It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it
obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even
weeks ago. During the intervening time the Japanese Government has
deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements
and expressions of hope for continued peace.
The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian Islands has caused severe damage
to American naval and military forces. Very many American lives have
been lost. In addition American ships have been reported torpedoed on
the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.
Yesterday the Japanese Government also launched an attack against
Malaya. Last night Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong. Last night
Japanese forces attacked Guam. Last night Japanese forces attacked the
Philippine Islands. Last night the Japanese attacked Wake Island. This
morning the Japanese attacked Midway Island.
Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending
throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday speak for
themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their
opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and
safety of our nation.
As Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy, I have directed that all
measures be taken for our defense.
Always will we remember the character of the onslaught against us. No
matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion,
the American people in their righteous might will win through to
absolute victory.
I believe I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when
I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost but
will make very certain that this form of treachery shall never
endanger us again.
Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people,
our territory and our interests are in grave danger.
With confidence in our armed forces - with the unbounded determination
of our people - we will gain the inevitable triumph - so help us God.
I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and
dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December seventh, a state of war
has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire.
My Dad, all 18 years old, was in the Army on Okinawa. I thank the good Lord every single day that the bombs were dropped, considering he would have most likely been in the first wave of the invasion of the Japanese mainland.
My Dad was 17 on the Saratoga. They were glad the bomb was dropped. I might not be here otherwise. They were preparing for the invasion.
My First cousin, once removed, was a Navy Medic assigned to the Arizona and was at the Naval Hospital when the attack began. He never got back to his boat in time and worked the next several days at the main Naval Hospital. He passed away about ten years ago from medical complications and Alzheimer’s but remembered this day with clarity.
You want me to resent the Japanese (who love America, incidentally -- at least the ones that come here in droves snapping pictures and going to the Statue of Liberty) because of something that happened 60 years ago?
I'd prefer to keep my real enemies in my sights.
yitbos
They're people, not dogs.
At the time, the Japanese were responsible for horrific war crimes against civilians and military personnel. At the time, the decision was made to eliminate their military capacity. The same decision was made for Germany, at that time.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.