December 7 1941: Famous Pearl Harbor Day Quotes

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Want to teach your children about Pearl Harbor Day? It occurred on December 7 1941, when the Japanese bombed the U.S. base at Pearl Harbor in a surprise attack that led to the U.S. entering World War II. Here’s a fun fact I learned from my dear college roommate, who is Japanese and was born on Dec : Their Pearl Harbor Day is not Dec 7 1941 but actually December 8, because of the difference in time zones.
Here are some Pearl Harbor Day quotes from famous people that you can share with your kids, including the most famous one of all from Franklin D. Roosevelt, as well as one (from John Belushi) that you may want to save till they’re older:
“Yesterday, December 7, 1941, a date which will live in infamy , the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan. … As Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy, I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense. … With confidence in our armed forces,  with the unbounded determination of our people, we will gain the inevitable triumph, so help us God.” — President Franklin D. Roosevelt
“A gigantic fleet… has massed in Pearl Harbor. This fleet will be utterly crushed with one blow at the very beginning of hostilities…Heaven will bear witness to the righteousness of our struggle.”
– Rear-Admiral Ito, Chief of Staff of the Combined Fleet
“Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?” John Belushi, “Animal House”
“As costly as it was in the lives of our men and women in uniform, in military assets, and in esteem and pride, Pearl Harbor was a watershed moment for America.” U.S. Rep. Joe Baca (D-Calif.)
Everybody knows about Pearl Harbor. The thing that really fascinated me is that through this tragedy there was this amazing American heroism.” — Michael Bay, movie director
“Today at Pearl Harbor, veterans are gathering to pay tribute to the young men they remember who never escaped the sunken ships. And over the years, some Pearl Harbor veterans have made a last request. They ask that their ashes be brought down and placed inside the USS Arizona. After the long lives given them, they wanted to rest besides the best men they ever knew. Such loyalty and love remain the greatest strength of the United States Navy.” – President George W. Bush, Pearl Harbor Day 2001

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