Pearl Harbor Deemed 'A Date Which Will Live In Infamy'

It’s been 74 years since the attack on the American Naval base at Pearl Harbor near Honolulu, Hawaii. The strike lasted approximately two devastating hours with destruction to nearly 20 American naval vessels, including eight battleships, and more than 300 airplanes. Close to 2,400 American soldiers and sailors died in the attack, and another 1,000 were wounded to various degrees. Within days of the attack, the United States was at war with Japan.

Above: Pearl Harbor photo courtesy of James Raveny

No one knows exactly how many of the original 60,000 or so survivors are still alive. A December 2012 Associated Press report stated about 2,000 to 3,000 survivors were thought to remain, but with survivors now in their 90s or older, that number is steadily dwindling. Many of these survivors belong to the National Pearl Harbor Survivors Association which is an organization whose central goal is to “facilitate the remembrance of the attack on Pearl Harbor, and preserve the December 7, 1941, date in people’s memories.”

Above: Pearl Harbor photo courtesy of James Raveny

The Association stated, “This date marked the first of one thousand three hundred and fifty one days of war that touched the lives of all who lived at that time. The fabric of freedom is woven with the moral and spiritual lineage of the men and women of honor, courage and integrity. Those who value something more than their own personal safeties. Let us never forget their strength, their love, their courage, their commitment, their dedication, their perseverance and their devotion for this great country.”

Above: Pearl Harbor photo courtesy of James Raveny

Many of the survivors of Pearl Harbor travel to Pearl Harbor every anniversary to participate in the remembrance ceremonies, but what do the generations after do to remember this date--not only the tragedy of it, but the significance of this event and the fight and sacrifice our country’s military delivered?

Each year, there is formal remembrance event which begins just before 8 a.m. to coincide with the attack that happened 74 years ago. Pearl Harbor Survivors and other World War II veterans are the honored guests who come to show respect to their fallen shipmates and comrades. Many of the day’s events can be found and watched live at pearlharborevents.com and participants may ask questions about the attack from National Park Service experts.

Above: Pearl Harbor photo courtesy of James Raveny

However, this year there were no Pearl Harbor survivors in attendance according to the Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor. The last surviving officer from the USS Arizona, Joseph Langdell, passed away on Feb. 4, 2015 in California at the age of 100.

The Commander, Navy Region Hawaii, CNIC holds a “Pearl Harbor Colors” Ceremony where each month a different theme is featured at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center at the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument, which is the home of the USS Arizona Memorial – the most visited historic site in Hawaii. This ceremony is a monthly honor and heritage ceremony that honors the veterans, service members and their families.

Above: Pearl Harbor photo courtesy of James Raveny

Washington D.C. hosts a parade among other events to commemorate Pearl Harbor at the National World War II Memorial in Washington D.C.

Unfortunately, there aren’t many widely known or advertised Pearl Harbor remembrance ceremonies. Many areas will commence wreath-laying ceremonies, keynote speeches by those associated with the event, luncheons, media stories on survivors’ recollections - but these are thinning due to the survivor population decreasing, and many schools will hold activities to educate the students about the attack on Pearl Harbor and its relation to World War II in history.

Above: Pearl Harbor photo courtesy of James Raveny

It is vital that this generation and those after do not forget the lessons of war that these survivors have taught us. Many of these survivors, when asked about their parts in war, will often state that they were just doing their job, serving their country or answer the call. Their humbleness denies the strength of their character.

These Pearl Harbor and other World War II survivors have stood against other world bellicosity, overcame the impossible, showed many of us today what bravery and determination stands for as well as bringing our nation to the steps of resolution. Our nation has seen our enemies become our allies and other nations grow in their freedom, democracy, and prosperity. They were there to protect our homeland from our adversaries and we should always remember and honor their sacrifices.

Above: Pearl Harbor photo courtesy of James Raveny

We all play a part in “standing watch” over all that our veterans, both past, future and present, have accomplished through our nation’s history and we must never take for granted their service as it is not only an honor but a privilege to continue their legacy.