It’s been 76 years since the Japanese launched a surprise attack on the United States naval base at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. While December 7 is a day that will forever live in infamy, it also serves as a reminder of the selfless sacrifice that our service men and women make to protect this great country.
Hundreds of Japanese fighter planes snuck up on the base early that Sunday morning. The surprise bombing resulted in the destruction of nearly 20 American naval ships, including eight battleships, and several hundred airplanes. More than 2,400 Americans died on that day and another 1,000 were injured in the attack.
Of course, the following day President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared war on Japan, thrusting the United States into World War II. Shortly thereafter we sent the men and women of our armed forces into battle to defend our freedom — and they answered the call with honor.
Today we remember the sacrifice of those who lost their lives at Pearl Harbor and all others who have lost their lives defending our freedom.
