December 7 – Pearl Harbor Day

On December 7th, 1941, Japanese forces surprised the US Navy with a devastating unexpected attack that ultimately led to America’s entrance into World War II. The attack sparked historical debate about what could have been done differently in an effort to prevent the tragedy. But despite these conversations, Pearl Harbor will always remain one of our country’s most iconic landmarks, with museums and monuments that honor the fallen servicemen from that day. It stands as a reminder of the courage and fighting spirit of our nation and will never be forgotten.

HISTORY OF WORLD WAR II AND PEARL HARBOR

World War II was one of the seminal events of the twentieth century, having an impact that reached far and wide. It began when German leader Adolf Hitler was elected Chancellor of Germany in 1933 and began instating extreme policies that were meant to restore order and power to the country. He soon began to extend his control beyond Germany’s boundaries, annexing Austria and parts of Czechoslovakia. Eventually, he became ambitious enough to try and conquer all of Europe which caused Britain and France to declare war on Germany in 1939. The conflagration of countries eventually evolved into what we now know as World War II. Unbelievable as it sounds, a single man really did cause one of the biggest international events ever!

FIVE IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT THE PEARL HARBOR INVASION

2,403 American service members were killed during the attack.
It is estimated that 68 civilians were killed as well.
A further 1,178 were wounded due to shelling and strafing from the Japanese aircrafts.
The damage inflicted on the U.S Navy resulted in 8 battleships being put out of commission as well as 3 destroyers and 3 cruisers damaged.
Pearl Harbor changed American history by forcing us into World War II.

HOW TO CELEBRATE PEARL HARBOR DAY