7 December, 1941.

[Son of Pappy]

Please take a moment for reflection.

[VirginiaJim]

+1

[DeansZG]

Please take a moment for reflection

Thanks for the reminder!

[Son of Pappy]

It is the day my father learned how to ride a bike.  His father was doing the seat holding trick when his mother called out that the radio announced Pearl Harbor was being attacked.  His dad let go to rush in to gather his sea bag, knowing full well he was about to be called in for war.
This is a moment in history much like 11 September, 2001.  A moment that is proof we as a nation will overcome the greatest of odds. 

Forever vigilant, never let your guard down, or we will suffer great losses.  History is a teacher, and some lessons must not be repeated.

[Strawboss]

Working today, saw the flag in front of the firehouse driving in, remembered.

[Nosmo]

My father (U.S. Army Master Sergeant) was stationed at Schofield Barracks, Pearl Harbor when the attack came.  He was an artilleryman with the 555th Field Artillery Battalion, Battery "B".  He island-hopped all the way to Japan.  I know that he was at Guadalcanal and part of the occupation forces in Japan afterwards.  Then he went to Korea.  He retired after more than 20 years.  I only remember him slightly, he went into the hospital with lung cancer (thank you Lucky Strike and Camel) when I was seven.  He died when I was nine.  I only know him through some pictures and his medals I have, Purple Heart and Good Conduct medal and some other things.

Thanks, Dad.

[Rhino]

I think I'll watch Tora Tora Tora tonight. One of the all time greatest war movies IMO.

[B.D.F.]

It could be said that the USS Arizona represents 7 Dec 1941 to Americans, and I think it is fair to say that it also represents the beginning of WWII in our mental image of history.

The battleship USS Missouri was the last US battleship built; she was launched in 1944, fought in the Pacific Theater of WWII, then Korea and finally in Desert Storm. She was in active service until 1992.

The surrender document that ended WWII was signed on the battleship USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay, on 2 Sept. 1945 and so would mark the end of the war for most of us I think. A while back I was wondering where the Missouri ended up- a lot of states end up with their namesake capital ship as a museum ship but as Missouri is a land- locked state, I took a quick look and found that it had been decommissioned and moved to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The USS Missouri is now moored on the far side of the harbor from the USS Airizona (memorial), bow on, 'standing watch' over the Arizona. I could not think of a better place for the Missouri to reside.

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:USS_Missouri_looking_forward.jpg

Brian

[Two Skies]

It could be said that the USS Arizona represents 7 Dec 1941 to Americans, and I think it is fair to say that it also represents the beginning of WWII in our mental image of history.

The battleship USS Missouri was the last US battleship built; she was launched in 1944, fought in the Pacific Theater of WWII, then Korea and finally in Desert Storm. She was in active service until 1992.

The surrender document that ended WWII was signed on the battleship USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay, on 2 Sept. 1945 and so would mark the end of the war for most of us I think. A while back I was wondering where the Missouri ended up- a lot of states end up with their namesake capital ship as a museum ship but as Missouri is a land- locked state, I took a quick look and found that it had been decommissioned and moved to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The USS Missouri is now moored on the far side of the harbor from the USS Airizona (memorial), bow on, 'standing watch' over the Arizona. I could not think of a better place for the Missouri to reside.

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:USS_Missouri_looking_forward.jpg

Brian

My dad (RIP) did the Navy thing in WWII, serving on a Seaplane Tender.  He didn't talk about the war much...

Thanks for the reminder.  72nd anniversary or something like that?  Remember to thank your Vets for their years of service to our country!

[Rhino]

It could be said that the USS Arizona represents 7 Dec 1941 to Americans, and I think it is fair to say that it also represents the beginning of WWII in our mental image of history.

The battleship USS Missouri was the last US battleship built; she was launched in 1944, fought in the Pacific Theater of WWII, then Korea and finally in Desert Storm. She was in active service until 1992.

The surrender document that ended WWII was signed on the battleship USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay, on 2 Sept. 1945 and so would mark the end of the war for most of us I think. A while back I was wondering where the Missouri ended up- a lot of states end up with their namesake capital ship as a museum ship but as Missouri is a land- locked state, I took a quick look and found that it had been decommissioned and moved to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The USS Missouri is now moored on the far side of the harbor from the USS Airizona (memorial), bow on, 'standing watch' over the Arizona. I could not think of a better place for the Missouri to reside.

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:USS_Missouri_looking_forward.jpg

Brian

I went to University of Arizona and remember seeing and hearing the bell. At the time I don't think I really appreciated the significance of that bell.