Seventy-three years ago today, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor killing more than 2,000 Americans and plunging the United States into World War II.
More than a dozen survivors will be among the visitors today to the Pearl Harbor Visitors Center in Oahu, Hawaii. According to Fox News these men offered a toast to each other with champagne glasses replicated after the ones on the USS Arizona. They also shared a bottle of sparkling wine which had been sent as a gift to Pearl Harbor survivors from former president Gerald Ford's 1975 visit to Spain.
On Friday, President Barack Obama, a Hawaii native, proclaimed Dec. 7 Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day:
“As we reflect on the lives lost at Pearl Harbor, we remember why America gave so much for the survival of liberty in the war that followed that infamous day.Today, with solemn gratitude, we recall the sacrifice of all who served during World War II, especially those who gave their last full measure of devotion and the families they left behind.As proud heirs to the freedom and progress secured by those who came before us, we pledge to uphold their legacy and honor their memory.”
Americans across the nation today remember and honor our military, especially those who served or lost their lives during the attack on Pearl Harbor, Dec. 7 1941.
73 years ago today, Japan attacked Pearl Harbor. pic.twitter.com/TwaWmPGC5o
— Historical Pics (@HistoricalPics) December 7, 2014
Pearl Harbor Remembrance #NeverForget #Dec7 @USNavy @MilitaryHealth @USMarines pic.twitter.com/heswtMijAL
— Navy Medicine (@NavyMedicine) December 7, 2014
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Today we remember those who lost their lives in the attack at Pearl Harbor #PearlHarborDay http://t.co/1bBlCkeGcT pic.twitter.com/xL4XF2l6Fb
— U.S. Dept of Defense (@DeptofDefense) December 7, 2014
Pearl Harbor survivor Larry Perry makes 1st return in 73 years. #PearlHarbor #GreatestGeneration pic.twitter.com/euSkC3Vzpy
— Purple Heart FDN (@MOPHSF) December 7, 2014
Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day pic.twitter.com/MDDzCCu1Es
— Geoff Boedeker (@JJHusker2) December 7, 2014
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