This Day in History: December 7, 1941
Pearl Harbor, Hawaii
The Date of Infamy that launched an epic conflict with Japan took place here in the early morning hours of December 7, 1941. The tranquil waters of Pearl Harbor were forever disrupted by the tides of war. The USS Arizona and 1,177 of her crew were among the first casualties of the Pacific War; the USS Arizona Memorial stands above the sunken vessel and her fallen sailors, serving as a reminder of their sacrifice and commitment.
Awakening the Sleeping Giant: WWII
In hopes of crippling the United States Pacific Fleet,
the
Combined Japanese Fleet received orders to attack
Pearl Harbor, Hawaii and
surrounding military targets.
We never saw it coming nor did they in America’s
retaliation.
Across the sea…
The element of surprise
That was the enemy’s plan
While watches were changing
Destiny played its hand
Photo Credit: Naval History & Heritage Command |
How could this be possible?
We were center stage
Our ships were mighty forceful
Our men—strong and brave
But there was no warning…
An infamous airborne assault
Secretly designed to destroy on sight
Left a peaceful but great nation
Awakened amidst a horrible plight
Photograph from a Japanese plane at the beginning of the attack. Photo Credit: Wikipedia |
Ships sank in their moorings
Capsized or were beached
Hundreds helped to save lives
Thousands were never reached
But there was no warning…
USS Arizona (BB-39) during the attack
Photo Credit: Wikipedia
|
~Pearl Harbor, 1941
Incredibly four years later
A decision was made
Retaliation was certain
Time to lift our façade
We called for surrender
Hoping peace could be made
Threat of destruction
Was the first hand played
Hoping peace could be made
Threat of destruction
Was the first hand played
Ignoring the ultimatum
Commanded air raid
Two acute nuclear bombings
Lifted our façade
Commanded air raid
Two acute nuclear bombings
Lifted our façade
We gave no warning…
Photo Credit: National Archives and Records Administration |
"I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with a terrible resolve."
—Japanese Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto (1884–1943)
The USS Missouri, also known by her nickname 'Mighty Mo', was the last battleship ever constructed by the United States. It is also the only ship in the naval fleet to have fired her guns in both World War II and Persian Gulf Wars. Most significantly, however, was her role in bringing the Second World War to its conclusion; the Empire of Japan formally surrendered to the United States on her decks on September 2, 1945.
ALWAYS REMEMBER, NEVER FORGET. . .
FREEDOM IS NOT FREE -
IT CARRIES WITH IT THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE!
Related Photos on Pinterest: Some History
I wanted to thank you for your support and encouraging comments during the year, for visiting my blog regularly and for just being a great person in my life.
ReplyDeleteI therefore provided you with an additional STAR for your Blog of the Year 2012 Award!
http://raaniyork.wordpress.com/2012/12/08/blog-of-the-year-2012-award-stars/
Thank you so much!!
Raani