MAIN Holidays & Observances Pearl Harbor Day

2011 marks the 70th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Now closely associated with the attack on the World Trade Center in New York on September 11, 2001, the raid on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 sent shock waves across the U.S.

The news — that came seemingly out of nowhere bringing sudden reports of a foreign power causing so much destruction — stunned and terrorized Americans, much as it did on 9/11.

Up till then one of the most brazen attacks ever against U.S. forces, the Japanese slipped in quietly over Oahu one Sunday morning in 1941 to wreak havoc on the air and navy fleet stationed on the Hawaiian island.

USS Arizona

Amid the destruction, five battleships were seriously damaged or sunk and would require extensive repairs to get them into action again.

The worst, however, befell the U.S.S. Arizona when a 1760-pound bomb struck its gunpowder store resulting in a massive explosion. Today, the U.S.S. Arizona lies in its watery grave at the bottom of the harbor, with a memorial built directly over it honoring the 1,177 lives that were lost on the ship that fateful day.

"...a date which will live in infamy"

On the day following the Pearl Harbor attack, President Franklin D. Roosevelt spoke to Congress and the nation in a radio address now considered one of the most famous American political speeches of the 20th century.

Calling December 7th "a date which will live in infamy." FDR rallied Americans nationwide and amid thundering applause stated, "...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."

Victory would only come on August 15, 1945 when Americans celebrated Victory Over Japan (VJ) Day, still remembering the loss felt on December 7, 1941 - the day of infamy marking the official entry of the U.S. into World War II.

Around the Web, learn more about Pearl Harbor day at top resources detailing the attack and what it meant for all Americans, with related eye-witness accounts and photos, lesson plans and timelines ...

More about Pearl Harbor Day around the Web;

Attack on Pearl Harbor - Wikipedia - Extensive historical background & photos tell the story including its aftermath with related resources and references, multimedia sound files featuring the FDR's "a date which will live in infamy" speech.

The Pearl Harbor Day Page - Quick, succinct overview of the circumstances leading up to the Pearl Harbor attack, the galvanizing effects on the U.S. war effort, and the country's ultimate victory over Japan in World War II.

Pearl Harbor.org - Pearl Harbor history & information told in video, audio and text including major speeches, eyewitness accounts, casualty lists, photos.

Pearl Harbor Remembered - Nicely done history with related timelines, photos, audio files, maps, survivor remembrances, and more on the U.S.S. Arizona memorial with related references & resources.

The Date That Lives in Infamy: Pearl Harbor Lesson Plans - Geared toward upper middle and high school students using historical background, speeches, U.S. reaction and the attack's aftermath with downloadable teacher information and fact sheets, suggested activities, FAQ, related resources.

also see -> Hawaii Tourist Attractions

20th Century History | September 11