It should be remembered forever.
But the truth is: it was eighty years ago today. Eighty years is a long time. In ten years probably no one who was alive for it will still be here.
What was the Date Which Will Live in Infamy? On December 7, 1941 the Japanese attacked the US Naval Base in Honolulu, Hawaii. They destroyed or damaged nearly 20 naval vessels (including eight battleships) and over 300 planes. More than 2400 Americans died (including civilians) and another 1000 were wounded.
The next day President Roosevelt declared war on Japan. He spoke to the joint session of Congress and said, “Yesterday, December 7, 1941—a date which will live in infamy...”
Roosevelt’s speech helped unify the country. Today, half the country would say the Japanese attack was a hoax. We were not stupid back then.
When huge events like the bombing of Pearl Harbor occur, we assume their impact and memory will live forever. It’s hard to believe that such a monumental event could someday become merely a historical footnote. But I’m sure they said that about the Battle of New Orleans.
If you go to Hawaii, take an afternoon and go to the Pearl Harbor memorial. Let’s not let our reminder of the Date that Will Live in Infamy be the awful Michael Bay, PEARL HARBOR movie.
from By Ken Levine
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