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A DAY THAT WILL LIVE IN INFAMY



Today marks the 76th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii.  "A day that will live in infamy” as then President Roosevelt proclaimed.  
In the early morning hours of December 7th in 1941, a swarm of 360 Japanese warplanes completely surprised our forces at the U.S. Naval Base in Pearl Harbor.  More than 2,400 Navy, Marines, and Army personnel perished on that ill-fated day. Almost half of the casualties were from the sinking of the naval battleship, the USS Arizona and much of the U.S. Pacific Fleet was decimated. Of the Pacific Fleet, 3 destroyers, 5 of the fleet's 8 battleships and 7 other ships were sunk or severely damaged. Additionally, more than 200 aircraft, both on the ground and aboard ship were demolished.
The horrific attack and toll on the United States was remembered today with a moment of silence at 7:55 a.m., and a flyover by the U.S. Air Force and the Hawaiian Air National Guard at the USS Arizona Memorial.  
The USS Arizona Memorial commemorates the loss of life and contains galleries, a theater, bookstore, exhibits and a remembrance circle to pay tribute to the men, women, and children (both military and civilians) who were killed as a result of the attack on Hawaii. On December 5th of this year, USA Today reported that only 5 of the USS Arizona survivors are alive.  These survivors were present at today’s ceremony.

The youth of today should be reminded of the sacrifices of the U.S. Armed Forces at Pearl Harbor, and all the men and women who serve in protection of our freedoms.

  
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