Recall December 7th 1941. It was a date President Franklin D. Roosevelt said would live in infamy. Today we stand at Pearl Harbor. This U.S. naval base near Honolulu experienced a devastating surprise attack by Japanese forces.
Pearl Harbor’s history is complex. The United States and Japan were edging toward war. The U.S. opposed Japan’s aggression toward China. Japan believed expansion was the only solution to its problems. American officials responded with economic sanctions. These sanctions only made Japan more determined.
Imagine the scene that morning. Hundreds of Japanese fighter planes descended on Pearl Harbor. They destroyed or damaged nearly 20 American naval vessels. Eight battleships were among them. Over 300 airplanes were also hit. More than 2400 Americans died. Over 1000 more were wounded.
The USS Arizona suffered a direct hit. A 1800-pound bomb smashed through its deck. It landed in the forward ammunition magazine. The ship exploded. It sank with over 1000 men trapped inside. Today the sunken battleship serves as a memorial. It honors those who died in the attack. Oil still seeps from the ship. Some call them the tears of the Arizona.
The attack on Pearl Harbor crippled the Pacific Fleet. However, the Japanese failed to destroy vital onshore facilities. Oil storage depots and repair shops remained intact. The U.S. Navy rebounded relatively quickly. Also, the Pacific Fleet’s aircraft carriers were away from the base.
The day after the attack, President Roosevelt asked Congress to declare war on Japan. The attack united the American people. They were determined to go to war.
Pearl Harbor is located near the center of the Pacific Ocean. It is about 2000 miles from the U.S. mainland. It is about 4000 miles from Japan. Before the attack, few believed Japan would strike so far from home. American intelligence officials thought any attack would target European colonies. These were in the South Pacific.
Pearl Harbor’s location makes it strategically important. In 1887, a treaty granted the U.S. exclusive use of the harbor. This was as a coaling and repair station. A naval station was established after 1908.
Today, Pearl Harbor is a national memorial. It reminds us of the events of that day. It also honors those who sacrificed their lives. The USS Missouri is also here. On its deck Japan surrendered. This officially ended World War II. Visiting both ships helps us understand America’s journey through the war. Pearl Harbor remains an active U.S. Navy base. It stands as a testament to resilience. It is a place of remembrance.