7:55 AM the Japanese invaded Pearl Harbor in an unprovoked suprise attack that brought the United States into WWII.

Many of our parents and grandparents fought in this conflict to maintain our American way of life. Thank God for their scarifices.

Indeed. A minute of remembering is appropriate.

I can't help to wonder, though, what the world would be like if this event hadn't taken place and the US had not declared war on the Axis.

My grandparents fought in that war, and I will always be grateful for the work they did.

WWII was a defining event in world history - as Flashman said, it is a never-ending source for speculation...

What If?

Well said Doc.

God bless the "greatest generation" whose numbers are sadly dwindling every day!

I've been to the Arizona memorial in Pearl Harbour. The oil bubbles up and this has some symbolic significance.

The USS Missouri is anchored nearby. We can visit substantial portions but not all of it.
It houses a copy of the Japanese surrender documents.

I too had the pleasure to visit the memorial many years ago when I was in Hawaii. At the time I was too young to appreciate the significance of the sight.

We should be very greatful for the men and women to stand up ready to defend our way of life and for our continued freedoms.

I for one am greatful for each and every service member. Luckily I've had the pleasure to work alongside many former and current members of the military and I am proud to call many of them friends and heros.

I visited the Arizona while on leave a couple years ago and I believe they said the oil bubbles reminded many of "the tears of the sailors not recovered".

A VERY touching experience, especially seeing actual survivors either visiting or volunteering to act as tour guides for the memorial.

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7:55 AM the Japanese invaded Pearl Harbor in an unprovoked suprise attack that brought the United States into WWII.

Unprovoked Yes.
Surprise Attack No.
Those people that died were sacrificed for the good of man kind.
The United States knew they were coming they never figured on such a huge attack.
And besides it was there way into the war it was inevitable.

I'm glad to see this post - it is very important that we remember not only those who were killed on that day but then all those who sacrificed their lives to bring about the end of the war.

I have never been to the memorial, but my wife has been pushing for a trip to Hawaii lately so I will have an opportunity soon.

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Indeed. A minute of remembering is appropriate.

Yes a moment of silence for the many who gave their lives.R.I.P


I can't help to wonder, though, what the world would be like if this event hadn't taken place and the US had not declared war on the Axis.

The world would be in really terrible shape.
Don't you think?
Remember what Winston Churchill said.
"If it were not for America there would be no England"
I think that is an understatement there would be no Europe is more like it.
Well at least not in the traditional sense.

I can see where this is going.......

Can you guys start another thread to debate the US entry into WWII and leave this one as the tribute it was intended to be? I'll gladly join in that discussion, I'd just hate to see this post "thread-jacked".

Silly me, I thought when you never figure on something happning and then it happens, it's a surprise.Quote

If the United States knew they were coming how is that a surprise.
JMS you infer things that aren't there. Read carefully before you reply.

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I can see where this is going.......

And where is that my good fellow?

They gave then, they contiune to give now....never forget!

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Originally posted by SHEEPSHEAD BAY:
And where is that my good fellow?

Exactly where it's gone judging by most of the recent posts (including the one by SteveSur - WTF!)

New thread started - "US Entry Into WWII"

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Originally posted by Grand Guignol:
I have never been to the memorial, but my wife has been pushing for a trip to Hawaii lately so I will have an opportunity soon.

The Arizona Memorial is an amazing place.

It makes you humble. Standing there, knowing that below you are the remains of over 1100 crew and a ship that still bleeds.

It's become a plce of pilgimage, not only for Americans and Allies, but for Japanese as well.

At the same time, it's only the most visible remnant of the attack. There are other places nearby where you can see reminders of that day in December. Seek those out as well.

Battlefields are haunting and haunted places, consecrated by the sacrifices of those who fought and died there, regardless of the cause they served. Battlefield memorials serve as a reminder of what mankind is capable of doing, both at our best and at our worst.

My buddy in stationed in Pearl Harbor, but I don't think he likes it. Not because of Pearl Harbor, just because I don't think he doesn't like being in the military. A shame really, it's an honor for sure.

"Most gave some, some gave ALL"

Visiting Pearl Harbor is on my "Things to do before I die" list. I really need to see the Arizona Memorial.

Moment of silence is in order...

Jack, this isn't the place to continue this discussion, it's already teetering on the edge of being thread-jacked. Respectfully suggest you post on the "US Entry Into WWII" thread.