The events on that sunny Sunday morning in December 1941 are not a mystery and are very well known. The impact of the attack on Pearl Harbor, and events in the days after, changed the course of history for pretty much everyone during that time. But for many folks, those events only seem alive in history books and don’t have an impact on those currently living. That couldn’t be further from the truth.
Then
I’m not going to retell the attack on Pearl Harbor in detail as most of us know it, in at least broad strokes. But if you need a refresher, here you go. The morning of December 7, 1941, started like many other mornings for the men and women on the island of Oahu. The military was taking measures to be ready for war but was not yet a part of the war raging in Europe. What those people did not realize was that one of the biggest attacks on the United States was just minutes away from happening, and it had been painstakingly planned out for months by Japan.
When the first strikes happened moments before 8 am, neutralizing American airfields on the island ahead of the torpedo bombing on the harbor, the writing started to appear on the wall. Some who saw it starting thought the planes were a part of American maneuvers, but reality hit hard and fast. There were early warnings, mostly ignored or dismissed by those higher in command, that could have changed the outcome somewhat for those on December 7th, but that’s purely hindsight based on what we know now of the events.
There were two distinct waves of attack from Japan on the island. After the initial shock of the first attack wore off, military personnel went to their battle stations and were able to fight back during the attack, whether from airfields or from the ships in the harbor. There were airmen that were able to get their planes going and in the air for dogfights with the Japanese attackers. After the 1st wave, U.S. personnel had a small window of time to prepare for the 2nd wave. During the 2nd wave of the attack, the Japanese encountered more resistance from the Americans but still managed to inflict heavy damage on the US Pacific Fleet.
During the course of the nearly two-hour attack, 2,403 U.S. personnel were killed, including soldiers, sailors, and civilians, with almost half of those casualties coming from the sinking of the USS Arizona. Japan succeeded in damaging or destroying 19 U.S. Navy ships, including eight battleships. Japan’s goal was to shock and knock out the American forces in the Pacific so its plan of domination would proceed unchecked.
The day after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Japan started carrying out bombings on Wake Island, Hong Kong, and Guam. Not only that, but Japanese military forces also invaded Malaya, Thailand, and the Philippines, starting a reign of terror for many inhabitants in those areas.
On the evening of December 8, President Franklin D. Roosevelt addressed Congress, requesting a declaration of war based on Japan’s actions the day before. His famous speech with the line “…a date that will live in infamy” stirred the nation to action.
“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.”
He went on to say, “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.”
The attack was meant to keep America at bay while Japan invaded and secured land, and more importantly—natural resources for its island nation. But the U.S. aircraft carriers that were supposed to be in the harbor on the morning of December 7th weren’t there and were spared from the attack. In the months following the attack, the military was able to salvage and return to service all but three of the ships (USS Arizona, USS Oklahoma, and the USS Utah). What Japan didn’t expect was how the attack spurred the nation to fight back and on the scale at which it did, with the ultimate end to the War in August of 1945.
Now
Honolulu and Oahu have changed quite a bit since that December day in 1941. Technology and advancements notwithstanding, the population is considerably larger and the base itself is different. Thanks to the Clinton-era base consolidation, Pearl Harbor is now Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickham. The military bases are still present on the island and still hold a very secure place.
This year, I was able to attend the remembrance ceremonies in person. I knew being in the area on the anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack would be something to experience. And I looked forward to it as a student of history. What I didn’t expect to encounter was the sheer number of those that still remember and commemorate the anniversary.
The first thing, and most notable, is that the Pearl Harbor National Memorial which houses the USS Arizona Memorial does not do any visits to the Memorial on December 7th out of respect to those men that are entombed onboard. All ceremonies held at the Memorial are done on land by the visitor center.
In downtown Waikiki, they hold the Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade on the evening of December 7th. The turnout is massive for the larger-than-life parade. The parade itself is a celebration of the brave military personnel and civilians that went through the attacks that day, but also to celebrate that once bitter enemies are now friends and allies, as stated by parade organizers. As Grand Marshals for the parade, there were the few remaining Pearl Harbor veterans as well as veterans of the European theater.
Over the next hour and a half, we watched marching bands, women who were a part of the Rosie the Riveter movement, Purple Heart recipients, and current and retired military servicemembers, among other groups marching down the road. The sheer number of parade entrants was impressive, not to mention the overwhelming patriotic emotion, leading to an event that won’t be forgotten. The emcee for the parade shared stories of those involved in the parade as well as the veterans. The gentleman we were standing next to told us the story of his father, who was on the Purple Heart float. It was an incredible experience that I felt honored to have a small part in.
On December 8th, we visited the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. Visiting the Memorial the day after the anniversary was solemn and reverent for me. Evidence of the ceremonies from the previous day was still present, with many wreaths adorning the grounds. The crowds were still present, with most of the people there recognizable from the parade the night before.
On the short boat ride out to the USS Arizona, we were reminded by the Navy sailors of the Memorial’s purpose and to treat the space with the respect it deserved. That included no talking, other than to ask questions of the staff on the Memorial, and certainly no phone use other than taking photos. I’m happy to say that almost everyone adhered to those rules. There was a select group that was loud, but for the most part, it was quiet and very reverent.
Being able to share this area with my family and teach my children the importance of knowing and understanding history is paramount to myself and my husband. We have been able to take our children to various historical locations that help demonstrate the realities of war and humanity. After this visit to Pearl Harbor, we have taken them to where the US involvement started for World War II as well as the ending point at the Hiroshima Peace Park in Japan.
While the attacks on Pearl Harbor and Oahu were 81 years ago, the lessons and knowledge learned are still as important today as it was then. The simple fact that those living in the shadow of Pearl Harbor have been able to embrace the history and use it to celebrate and remember is very humbling to see. To be able to take an enemy and make them a friend and ally and welcome them with open arms is a good lesson to take forward and I am proud that I got to witness a small part of it.
