In Memory of Pearl Harbor

I'm very sorry that I did not get this up yesterday. Having served in the Navy, and also wanting to go back, I cannot help but publish a tribute to the sailors at Pearl Harbor. May we always remember their sacrifice and that it is upon their blood we enjoy so many freedoms. God bless America. The 7 December 1941 Japanese raid on Pearl Harbor was one of the great defining moments in history. A single carefully-planned and well-executed stroke removed the United States Navy's battleship force as a possible threat to the Japanese Empire's southward expansion. America, unprepared and now considerably weakened, was abruptly brought into the Second World War as a full combatant.

The strking force of 353 Japanese aircraft was led by Commander Mitsuo Fuchida. There had been no formal declaration of war. Approximately 100 ships of the U.S. Navy were present that morning, consisting of battleships, destroyers, cruisers and various support ships. 2388 personnel were killed and another 1178 were wounded. 12 ships were sunk or beached and another 5 were damaged. 164 aircraft were destroyed and another 159 damaged. All U.S. Ships except the Arizona, Utah, and Oklahoma were salvaged and later saw action.

Pearl Harbor

I think of those who died for me,

Who gave their lives for liberty,

Whose graves are found on distant shores

Their young lives lost in freedom's wars.

I feel the loss of those cut down -

The gloom and tears in some small town

When fearful word of snuffed-out lives

Dashed the hopes and dreams of wives.

I see their ghosts . . . I hear their call,

Grim spirits pained but standing tall,

"Remember us - we died for you,

Make sure our land stays just and true."

By Marty Lewinter