Remembering Pearl Harbor - "A day that will live in infamy!"
 

I am really surprised no one has posted this yet. Most of the major news sources seemed to have missed this too especially considering what a major point of the war this event was. But I don't think we should let them off the hook. Soon enough though, I think we WILL forget as the last of the survivors die off. http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/12/07/pea....ap/index.html

Remember Pearl Harbor, never forget!

You're right. It was the 9-11 of that time.

"Never forget!"

*Observing a moment of silence for the Americans who lost their lives.*

MY FATHER AND MOTHER WERE ON FORD ISLAND,IN THE MIDDLE OF PEARL HARBOR ON DEC 7th 1941!!!...........HOW SOON WE FORGET.."WE'LL NEVER FORGET" !!!!

..............MORE IF YOU WANT...XOXOXOO

This is not a negative comment to either tragedy whatsoever, but drawing any parallels between 9/11, which was an act of terrorism on a civilian target, and Pearl Harbor, which was an act of war on a military target, is just plain invalid- and, in my opinion, irresponsible.

Were your parents civilians or military personel. Apparently there are people who don't think civilians suffered during the attack on Pearl Harbor.

I hope you're not referring to me (because this would be a very passive-aggressive way to do it), as I said nothing of the breadth of impact created by these 2 tragedies, just the targets themselves. I'd also note that if you demand to illuminate the civilian suffering due to the attack on Pearl Harbor, I'd point out that the military didn't exactly come out unscathed on the attacks of 9/11/01, either. Once again, drawing parallels is just pointless.

My point was that comparing the two is disrespectful, as far as I'm concerned, because they are two different events and two different tragedies.

Yes, Pearl Harbor was a tragedy- but it was an act of war, on a military target, not an act of terrorism on civilians in a civilian target. Once again, I am not downplaying Pearl Harbor- there's just no comparing the two, because they're two totally different things.

isn't all war terrorism and all terrorism war ? PEACE...XOXOXOO

I agree with this completely. I think a lot of people forget that not only was Pearl Harbor a military target, but Hawaii was not even a state before 1959! That being said, it is sad that so many people either forget about these events or don't understand the significance of them. Of course, however, this is how it always goes - as time goes on, traditions, and those who practice them, die off. How many of us go to our local American Legions on Veterans Day or Memorial Day or any day for that matter? I actually went last Veterans Day and let me tell you, it was quite a sad scene. There were only a few old veterans who were still there and the audience was smaller than it had ever been according to those that were there. Every year more of our veterans die off and every year less people seem to care. Again though, as sad as it is, I'm pretty sure it's always been this way all throughout history and I doubt that anything will really change.

/raises hand
I do.

But, then again, I belong to the American Legion. In fact, I'm currently serving as my post's Senior Vice-Commander. And, yes, the ranks are thinning. Rapidly.
There are simply not enough younger veterans joining, to offset the declining numbers of WWII vets.

I watched Tora! Tora! Tora!. Do I get a medal?

Fair enough analog, it was pretty late when I posted and I was tired and a bit irritable I suppose. Your follow up post here clarifies things.

No harm, no foul.

I think this was my original intent for this thread - I wanted to connect Pearl Harbor with the Veterans' issue. I don't get why Pearl Harbor has seemed to fade from people's memories when it was such an important event (I didn't see anything on the news wires except for one article). I know in Europe they are always commemorating various battles and war events. It's such a shame that we don't honor our veterans or commemorate important events in our history. It makes me wonder if we will forget about 9-11 in fifty years.

I don't go to the VFW or American Legions (I didn't know we could) but I do visit the Veteran's Cemetery and support our local homeless veterans from time to time.

Just a very, very quick note: there were CIA offices in the twin towers, technically making it more than a civilian target. While it's not a true military target, it was not just a representation of the US econemy, there were military reasons to attack the building.

jorgelito: it's all good.

Well yes, I know that, in addition to the Pentagon being one of the things hit (which is the base of the Department of Defense, among others), which is why I added this:

At first I had elaborated more and mentioned the pentagon and such, but ultimately decided to simply reference it, figuring people were aware enough of The Pentagon (and the CIA offices in the towers) that I need not have mentioned them. :) Good looking out, though.

Sure. Now that I think about it, linking 9/11, something almost too prevelant in our lives now, with the attacks on Pearl Harbor may do those who died in Pearl Harbor a disservice. I'd say, with confidence, that US military action following and as a response to Pearl Harbor was a lot more successful and legitimate than military action taken after 9/11. Up until the use of nuclear weapons, our Pacific front in WWII was a testimate to the brave and honorable people of our country. Even though I am very anti-war, I would have probably supported WWII had I been around back then (you know that says a lot if you know me).

To all those that risked or gave their lives for the safety of our country: I salute you. You were esponsible for our country being safe from danger, and you were a success in that mission.

I said: "...of it's time".

I was referring to the aspects of: the shock of an unexpected attack, being pulled into something we didn't start, and horrific loss of human life.

I'm sorry you all feel that was disrespectful, irresponsible, irrelevant, and pedestrian. Disrespect in remembering Pearl Harbor was not my intention.

I'd confidently agree- though to be fair, the enemy of WWII was much clearer... but yes, more successful and legitimate.