70 years ago

[Niner]

I'm surprised nobody made any remark. Today marks 70 years since the US joined WWII when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. That's turning into ancient history when you think about it. At the time of Pearl Harbor, it was only 80 years after the first year of the American Civil War.

The History Channel...that channel that shows back to back Pawn Stars, Pickers, Shrimpers, etc. etc....since they ran out of Hitler shows.... played that Pearl Harbor film from a few years ago. I didn't watch it because I already knew is was a pretty bad movie and the first time I saw it I mostly took sides with the Japs in hoping a few more of the stars would exit the scene early.

My favorite Pearl Harbor film is From Here to Eternity. It's my favorite WWII novel too....even though the movie left out all the "dirty" parts, like the whore house was turned into to some kind of dance club and nobody cussed on a regular basis. Even so... it was still a good movie.

[DuncaninFrance]

As sad as any other wartime anniversary......
However it made Winston Churchill enjoy "the sleep of the saved and thankful"

FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT'S PEARL HARBOR SPEECH
(December 8, 1941)
To the Congress of the United States:

Yesterday, December 7th, 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.

The United States was at peace with that nation and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its government and its emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific.

Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in the American island of Oahu, the Japanese ambassador to the United States and his colleagues delivered to our Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message. And while this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or of armed attack.

It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time, the Japanese government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.

The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. I regret to tell you that very many American lives have been lost. In addition, American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.

Yesterday, the Japanese government also launched an attack against Malaya.

Last night, Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong.

Last night, Japanese forces attacked Guam.

Last night, Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands.

Last night, the Japanese attacked Wake Island.

And this morning, the Japanese attacked Midway Island.

Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday and today speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation.

As commander in chief of the Army and Navy, I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense.

But always will our whole nation remember the character of the onslaught against us.

No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory.

I believe that I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost, but will make it very certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger us.

Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory and our interests are in grave danger.

With confidence in our armed forces - with the unbounding determination of our people - we will gain the inevitable triumph - so help us God.

I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December 7th, 1941, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese empire.

[DuncaninFrance]

Also interesting is that one ship to survive Pearl Harbour was the USS Phoenix. The yanks later sold the USS Phoenix to Argentina. The Argies then renamed her ARA General Belgrano.....which we sunk during the Falklands Islands conflicts.

The Belgrano was, and still is, the only ship to be sunk in anger by a nuclear submarine.

[Niner]

Maybe if they hadn't changed the name it would have refloated itself.

[BobB1]

I saw in the paper yesterday that they are closing down the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association. I don't remember the numbers, but there are so few left, and their health is generally poor, that the national organization didn't see the point in going on. They had an event on the aircraft carrier, Yorktown, in Charleston, and only 4 survivors were there.

[Niner Delta]

Read that too, but not surprised, minimum age to belong is about 87 years old.
They were the greatest generation.

Vern.

[DuncaninFrance]

That was covered in the UK too Vern.
Things over here are starting to move towards the 100th anniversary of the start of the first World War. I suppose it will be an interesting 5 years of history on the TV which I am looking forward to.

Things like this are already going. http://www.1914.org/ http://www.1914.org/wall/7212/

[Tom-May]

That was covered in the UK too Vern.
Things over here are starting to move towards the 100th anniversary of the start of the first World War. I suppose it will be an interesting 5 years of history on the TV which I am looking forward to.

Things like this are already going. http://www.1914.org/ http://www.1914.org/wall/7212/

I suspect that we'll se a lot about D-Day too (possibly more than the Great War) - it's the 70th anniversery and there's a lot more film footage (both newsreel and fiction)

Okay, I'm cynical - Now prove me wrong

Tom

BTW Thanks for the links

[Niner Delta]

OK, you are proved wrong.

If you mean D-Day as June 6, 1944, the upcoming anniversary is number 68, the 70th will be in 2014.

Vern.

[DuncaninFrance]

Wake up Verrn!

WWI Started in 1914 therefore 2014 is the centenary of it's starting


D Day was 6/6/1944 so 6/6/2014 will be it's ....................................70the anniversary Just as Tom said.

Personally I think History is a thing of the past