Pearl Harbor---69 Years Later

THE FOLLOWING IS AN UPDATED ENCORE TIM MOORE BLOG:

It was on this date in 1941—at around 7:55am local time, that the first of some 350 Japanese aircraft appeared over the horizon of Hawaii’s Pearl Harbor, beginning the attack that would finally draw the United States into World War II.

Last year, I read a great book, “FDR” by Jean Edward Smith. This highly detailed biography (636 pages, with another 200 or so of notes and supporting facts) is fascinating on many levels-mostly personal-but it also recreates the landscape of American and Japanese relations just before the deadly attack. An attack by the Japanese was expected—just not where it occurred.

FDR got the news at around 1:30pm Washington time—in his study with advisor Harry Hopkins—when Navy Secretary Frank Knox burst in and delivered the news that Pearl Harbor had been attacked and that damage and casualties were heavy.

The U.S. had been expecting an attack any day from Japan, but most military experts were anticipating the target would be the Philippines, where the U.S. Fleet had a significant presence. Instead, a highly coordinated attack that pushed the geographic limits of the planes and ships involved caught everyone off guard. No one expected that U.S. soil could be reached from the Japanese mainland—and as such, no level of preparedness or emergency was imposed on the U.S. Naval installation in Hawaii.

Check out this compelling video clip of the attack, with some rare footage:



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nt13c3olXkU

FDR’s demeanor in the wake of the attack was said be very calm and measured-even though he was furious. Interestingly, it was Eleanor Roosevelt, not Franklin who addressed the nation first following the attack. In her already scheduled weekly radio broadcast, she said she was confident that “whatever is asked of [America], we shall accomplish it; we are the free and unconquerable people of the U.S.A.” Her husband that evening dictated a speech that he would deliver to Congress the next day—complete with the memorable phrase regarding December 7th, “ a date that would live in infamy”

Looking back, it seems like the height of stupidity for the Japanese to attack the United States—and for Germany to follow with a declaration of war. America’s isolationist sentiment was still strong—and it would have made sense for the Axis powers to keep the United States out of the war.

Instead, the attack on Pearl Harbor galvanized public opinion and completely squashed political infighting. America has never been more united, it is said, as the country plunged into a war effort that would affect every single person in the U.S.


Such unity, also evident after the terrorist attacks in 2001—is always desired, but never at the cost we have borne.

The times have changed—and the enemy has as well. It would do this country well to remember the lessons of Pearl Harbor-namely, that threats to our homeland could come at any time---but vigilance on OUR soil (as opposed to an amplified focus overseas) is most important to thwart the criminal plans that are being made as we speak. Whatever attack comes next will, without a doubt employ the element of surprise.

Our recent uncovering of a future terrorist attack was the most heartening news we have had. Where many were shocked and frightened by the exposure of this plot, I was frankly comforted in the knowledge that at least some portion of our national security team is working overtime to stop the threats BEFORE they occur.

It’s important to note that while we were looking elsewhere, the 9-11 terrorists were all HERE, living among us, taking flight lessons, assimilating into our culture. They were biding their time, leaving clues as to their plans---but clues that we collectively ignored—or worse, didn’t even see.

“They” are still here, still planning.
Let’s catch them before they surprise us again in a horrific way.

In short, REMEMBER PEARL HARBOR and 9/11!!

If you’d like my weekday blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com