A Day That Will Live In Infamy
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.
~ Franklin Delano Roosevelt
On 1 September 1923, Japan suffered a devastating earthquake that killed 143,000 people. In a matter of hours the United States sent a convoy of ships with medical supplies and more than ten million dollars in aid. The Emperor sent a famous five word cablegram to the White House:
"America, we will never forget."
Eighteen years later, on December 7, 1941, Japan bombed Pearl Harbor, killing 2800 Americans.
Japan forgot.
Have you forgotten Pearl Harbor Day?
Here are some Pearl Harbor Day stories that may help you remember the sacrifices of those that have gone before us.
My great-uncle, Kenneth L. Holm, was on the USS Oklahoma during the attack on Pearl Harbor. He didn't survive. His name is listed among the Pearl Harbor casualties. I am grateful to my uncle for his great sacrifice.
~ Kim
My parents were newlyweds. They were married 16 August 1941 ... so they had not even been married 4 months. On their way home they heard the terrible news. The next morning my father woke up extra early, dressed, and headed down to the recruiter's office and arrived there at 5:00 A.M. only to find a huge line many blocks long. When others heard what happened at Pearl Harbor, they rolled up their sleeping bags and headed down the same day and began to wait in line. They slept in line overnight in their sleeping bags to have the privilege to defend their country!!!
~ Beverly
My mom's parents married on December 7, 1941. When they came out of the church, the town bells were ringing. At first they thought the bells were being rung in congratulations for their wedding. They soon learned that the bells were being rung for a much more serious reason. My grandfather left his bride to go fight in the war. We shall never forget.
~ Kim
My mom heard the news over the radio while in the hospital recovering from an appendectomy. She remembers feelings of shock mixed with fear. While she continued to recover at home, her family constantly listened to the radio for further reports. Her grandmother was terminally ill upstairs, and because of mother's surgery, she was forbidden to climb stairs. The doctor finally allowed her to go back up the stairs to see her grandmother, who died shortly thereafter. Dealing with her grandmother's illness and the escalating war was a frightening time for her. During this time she made the decision to join the Navy, despite her brother's comments that "nice girls don't join the Navy." She said she proved him wrong! Two years later she enlisted, serving most of the time outside Washington. The last 3 mos. of the war she handled discharge papers in Washington.
Dad was grinding lenses for an optometrist when he heard the news about Pearl Harbor on the radio. A bit less inspired to enlist than my mother, he still realized he would have to join, so he did. He hoped he would be used to make glasses, but the Navy wanted him as a medic. He spent most of his time in the South Pacific, first transporting the wounded from shore to ship and then treating the wounded on shore. He won't discuss much more than that; he feels it wouldn't be right to talk about such personal things. I think it just too painful for him to recall. Recently, while planning my precious Dad's funeral, I discovered a form he had completed years ago to aid us in that planning. On this form, Dad said that one of the most meaningful accomplishments of his life was "whatever care and help [I] could give to sick and wounded during World War II."
My mother told me a story about how some good friends of theirs came over today. They shared their stories. The gentleman was a reporter for the Washington Post attending a Washington Redskins football game when the announcer started calling for all generals, captains, and other officers to report to the gate. Another journalist friend decided he needed to check it out and heard the news from the press box at the stadium. My parent's friend left immediately for his position at the Washington Post.
~ Pat
We hope these stories inspire you to be thankful to the service men and women who were willing to risk all so you could have your freedom today. Show your gratitude today by recognizing those currently serving to defend you and your freedom through prayers, Christmas cards, and gifts from home this Christmas season. There are many in the military that truly miss their loved ones during this most Holy season. Let them know they are not forgotten and truly appreciated.
Learning Through The Holidays Series
 Learning Through the Holidays Series: Pearl Harbor Day explores ...
• the roots of the word holiday
• a holiday's impact on a culture
• explores custom, tradition, folkways, mores
• holidays: academics and life
Learn the history behind Pearl Harbor Day.
• Brief history of Pearl Harbor including historic relations between Japan & USA since 1854
• 3 Learning Ship Differences Flashcards
• Quotes, Sayings, Anecdotes
• 5 Primary Document Work Sheets (each with geography, vocabulary, people, discussion questions, activities)
• 1 poem (each with vocabulary, imagery, poem mechanics, discussion questions, activities)
• Pearl Harbor Day Puzzles (Axis Leaders & Geography Word Search, Allied Leaders & Geography Word Search, criss cross, vocabulary criss cross, word games, matching, Do you remember, and more)
Several Practical Field Trip Ideas (eight plus)
Reading recommendations
9 flashcards
49 page jam packed ebook
 More
This Month's Feature: The Young Carthaginian by G.A. Henty.
Our Heirloom Edition
Over 50% off!
The Struggle between Rome and Carthage was at first a struggle for empire, and then—on the part of Carthage—a struggle for existence. Mr. Henty’s classic work, The Young Carthaginians, tells the story of this struggle and the attempt of Hannibal to conquer Rome, despite the formidable geographical barriers and the corrupt leadership in Carthage, which time and again undermined all his efforts. Malchus, the young hero, a cousin of Hannibal, becomes involved in a political intrigue and joins Hannibal in Spain, sharing for a time in his adventures. Later he suffers imprisonment and slavery and then escapes to Gaul, where he finally settles.
Date: 220 B.C.
Location: North Africa
Subject: Hannibal's Campaigns
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