Pearl Harbor-70 Years Later

THE FOLLOWING IS AN UPDATEDENCORE TIM MOORE BLOG:


Most Americans had never heard of Pearl Harbor—until this fateful day 70 years ago

At around 7:55am local time, 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.

A couple of years ago, 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

Here is the NBC broadcast audio of the attack-coupled with more footage of the carnage:



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePe5s0E5MeA&feature=related


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.

This year marked what likely will be the last major anniversary of the attack where survivors will gather to remember. The youngest of them are in their late eighties—and they are now dying at a rapid rate. My family and I were treated to a speech by a survivor this past Sunday at the Wreaths Across America ceremony at Cheverus High School. Semis loaded with wreaths bound for Arlington National Cemetery made a stop—and former Naval Chief Petty Officer Robert Coles was on hand to speak about what he experienced that day 70 years ago. Mr. Coles was as sharp mentally as any one of us in the gymnasium—and funnier than most. His short speech was remarkable.

We owe these veterans a debt we can never repay—but it is important that we never fail to say, “Thank you”.

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