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December 7, 2006
Pearl Harbor at 65

About this time 65 years ago, Imperial Japan conducted a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor in their bid to knock America out of the Pacific. Japan actually intended to give Cordell Hull their declaration of war an hour prior to the attack, part of a coordinated offensive that would hit US installations throughout the Pacific over a matter of hours. A delay in gaining an audience with the Secretary of State created the conditions for the perfidious bombing at Hawaii. No matter -- the attack successfully crippled the Pacific Fleet, at least for a short time. The picture below comes from the Naval Archives, a color photograph from a film shot of the USS Arizona as its ammunition magazines exploded:

This also marks what appears to be the last meeting of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association. Too many of their members have passed away or have become too infirm to travel; the affiliated associations have even begun to disband for lack of membership. For sixty-five years, they have upheld their motto -- "Remember Pearl Harbor, and Keep America Alert". However, some see the 9/11 attacks as a failure of America to listen to them:

The survivors say they have more than horrific memories to offer. "Remember Pearl Harbor" is just the first half of the association's motto; the rest is "Keep America alert."

Martinez said many Pearl Harbor survivors were disheartened by the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, "as if they had not done their job hard enough."

Once again, it seemed that America had been caught sleeping. Interest in Pearl Harbor and its aging survivors surged. The old soldiers are much in demand — to sign autographs, walk in parades, speak to classrooms and pose for pictures. Visits to the USS Arizona Memorial are at record levels.

Unfortunately, we seem to be attempting to learn all of the old lessons again the hard way, including appeasement. It's hardly the best way to remember Pearl Harbor or its key role in launching the United States as a superpower, but perhaps the anniversary will remind people of the feckless nature of appeasing tyrants and radicals determined to end our way of life. Let's hope so.

Michelle Malkin has an excellent post on this subject. Be sure to read it.

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Posted by Ed Morrissey at December 7, 2006 11:20 AM

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» Remembering Pearl Harbor… from California Conservative
On December 7th, 1941, Japanese warplanes attacked Pearl Harbor drawing the United States into World War II. [More] Others paying tribute: Riehl World View Political Pitbull Hyscience Rightwing Nuthouse Michelle Malkin Captain’s Quarters ... [Read More]

Tracked on December 7, 2006 12:05 PM

» A Date Which Will Live In Infamy from Below The Beltway
Bookmark to: ... [Read More]

Tracked on December 7, 2006 12:06 PM

» Day of Infamy from Bill's Bites
I've been trying for three days to come up with a decent Pearl Harbor post. What can I say except We remember. You are not forgotten.? *** Michelle remembers. Scott Johnson has more here. [Read More]

Tracked on December 7, 2006 12:49 PM

» Pearl Harbor - December 7, 1941 from Lord Nazh's Daily Ramble
With apologies to MK and a h/t to Townhall, I'm stealing this tribute: [Read More]

Tracked on December 7, 2006 3:10 PM

» LSU Remembers Dec 7 1941 and a time of resolution from Leaning Straight Up
There are curious parallels between Pearl Harbor and 9/11, but the biggest one is the one that got away.  In the speech below, President Roosevelt illustrates our anger and resolve, much as President Bush similarly illustrated our anger and resolv... [Read More]

Tracked on December 7, 2006 3:16 PM

» (video) - Remembering Pearl Harbor 65 Years Later from Webloggin
To put an exact number on the human toll both during and after that attack would be impossible. However we do know that 1,177 sailors and marines died on the USS Arizona alone. In all 2390 Americans were killed after Japanese planes hit the harbor wher... [Read More]

Tracked on December 7, 2006 6:46 PM

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