Thursday, December 7, 2006
Sixty-five years ago today, on the morning of Dec. 7, 1941, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, dealing a devastating blow to the U.S. Pacific Fleet and spurring the United States to enter the war and save the world.
More than 20 American ships were sunk, beached or damaged in the surprise attack, and more than 300 aircraft destroyed or damaged. Thousands of Americans died or were wounded.
Americans this week are commemorating the anniversary in a variety of ways. Included is a Pearl Harbor Survivors National Reunion being held in Honolulu.
Such events are held so that younger generations don't forget the day that President Franklin D. Roosevelt rightly said would "live in infamy."
The nation's heroic effort in World War II holds a special significance now. Americans abroad are engaged in a conflict brought on by a heinous attack on American soil.
As the Iraq war stretches on, rivaling the length of our commitment to the allied effort 65 years ago, the nation mourns its war dead as the heroes they are.
But this war has a different flavor at home. Many Americans are skeptical of its purpose. Also, while civilians at home were called upon to sacrifice in World War II, little has been asked of American citizens not in uniform. Instead of rationing, they've had tax cuts.
The World War II era wasn't idyllic by any means. It's important to remember that the bombing of Pearl Harbor set off a dark episode in our history: the forced detention of Japanese American citizens during the war.
Fortunately, legislation that Congress passed this week should help Americans to learn from that time so it is not repeated. Congress has authorized up to $38 million in federal grants to preserve the detention camps and gathering centers where an estimated 120,000 Japanese and Japanese-Americans were sent.
But even as we acknowledge our mistakes, Americans should remember our success. The Greatest Generation took on the mission of turning back fascism and imperialism with a lump in its collective throat, but also with little complaint.
Sept. 11, 2001, gives this generation a sense of what it must have felt like 65 years ago. As we move forward, haltingly and troubled by our mistakes, we shouldn't forget that winning the war on terror is a historic mission as well.
Questions/Comments
Reader comments
There are not yet any comments. Post your comment and it will appear here.
You must be a registered user of MaineToday.com to post a comment. Register or log in.