Before Sept. 11, 2001, became a transitional date in American history, there was the "date which will live in infamy." Today marks Pearl Harbor Day, in remembrance of those who lost their lives in Japan's surprise attack on the U.S. Naval Base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
More than 350 Japanese aircraft, launched from several carriers positioned north of Hawaii, sank or damaged 16 ships, destroyed 188 U.S. aircraft, caught on the ground, and killed 2,402 personnel.
Japan's strike brought the United States fully into World War II and was a formative event in future national defense policy. As Gordon Mueller, president of the National World War II Museum, said in a statement: "You can count on one hand the number of events that changed everyone's life – everywhere, forever. Dec. 7, 1941, was certainly one such event."
We pause today to honor those who lost their lives, those who survived and the nation that persevered and vanquished the Axis powers.
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