Pearl Harbor, a U.S. naval base located in Hawaii, became the site of a devastating surprise attack by the Japanese on December 7, 1941. The attack prompted the United States to enter World War II and changed the course of history. Many individuals, both military personnel and civilians, witnessed and experienced the destruction and loss that day. In the aftermath of the attack, several profound quotes emerged, capturing the pain, heroism, and resilience displayed during this tragic event.
“Yesterday, December 7, 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.”
President Franklin D. Roosevelt spoke these words to Congress the day after the attack, expressing the shock and outrage felt by the nation. His speech galvanized the American people and united them in their determination to defend their country.
“I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with a terrible resolve.”
These words, attributed to Isoroku Yamamoto, the Commander-in-Chief of the Japanese fleet, captured the realization that their attack had not only inflicted devastating damage but had also awakened the strength and determination of the American people.
“In spite of everything, I still believe that people are really good at heart.”
This poignant quote from Anne Frank, a young Jewish girl who ultimately perished in the Holocaust, reflects the hope and resilience that humans can maintain even in the face of unimaginable tragedy.
The quotes that emerged from the events of Pearl Harbor serve as powerful reminders of the collective strength and spirit of individuals during times of crisis. They continue to resonate and echo through history, reminding us of the sacrifices made and inspiring us to never forget the lessons learned from that fateful day.
Famous Pearl Harbor Quotes
– President Franklin D. Roosevelt
“The attack on Pearl Harbor precipitated our immediate entry into the war; as a matter of fact, there was a certain amount of relief in America because we were at last attacked on our own territory. We had been moving into that position step by step.”
– General George S. Patton Jr.
“We are all in the same boat in a stormy sea, and we owe each other a terrible loyalty.”
– G.K. Chesterton
“I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with a terrible resolve.”
– Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto
“The memory of that day will never fade in the minds of the American people while they cherish their freedom and the heritage of their forebears.”
– General Douglas MacArthur
“With confidence in our armed forces, with the unbounding determination of our people, we will gain the inevitable triumph, so help us God.”
– President Franklin D. Roosevelt
Unaware of the Danger
Pearl Harbor was a peaceful Navy base on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. On December 7, 1941, the day that would live in infamy, everyone at Pearl Harbor was unaware of the imminent danger that awaited them. The routine of the day was proceeding as usual, with sailors and servicemen going about their duties.
Little did they know that in just a matter of hours, their lives and the course of history would be forever changed. Japanese bombers were closing in on the base, ready to unleash their deadly attack.
The sun was shining, the waves were gentle, and there was no sign of any impending threat. The tranquil scene masked the terrifying reality that was about to unfold. The unsuspecting servicemen had no way of knowing that their peaceful existence would soon be shattered.
The attack came suddenly and without warning. Japanese planes filled the sky, dropping bombs and firing bullets at the ships and buildings below. The sound of explosions and gunfire shattered the calm, sending shockwaves through the base and awakening everyone to the grave danger they were in.
In the chaos and confusion that followed, brave men and women fought back with whatever weapons they had at their disposal. Despite being caught off guard, they displayed remarkable courage and resilience in the face of overwhelming odds.
Unaware of the danger that awaited them that fateful day, the heroes of Pearl Harbor stood tall and fought valiantly for their country. Their sacrifice and bravery serve as a reminder of the importance of being prepared, even in times of peace. Their stories continue to echo through history, inspiring future generations to never underestimate the threat that may be lurking just beyond the horizon.
| Date | Time | Casualties |
| December 7, 1941 | 7:48 AM | 2,403 Americans killed |
A Date Which Will Live in Infamy
On December 7, 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 attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, brought the United States into World War II.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt delivered a historic speech to Congress the following day, in which he declared, “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.”
This phrase, “a date which will live in infamy,” has become synonymous with the Pearl Harbor attack and serves as a reminder of the tragic event that propelled the United States into a global conflict.
Brave Men and Women
The attack on Pearl Harbor not only had a profound impact on the United States, but it also revealed the incredible bravery of the men and women who served during that time.
Countless stories emerged of acts of valor and heroism in the face of the unexpected and devastating attack. From the American sailors aboard the USS Arizona who showed unwavering determination to defend their ship, to the nurses who cared for the wounded amidst chaos and destruction, these brave individuals exemplified the true spirit of courage.
One such story is that of Doris “Dorie” Miller, an African American mess attendant on the USS West Virginia. When the attack began, Miller swiftly took action, despite having no formal training in warfare. He manned a machine gun and successfully shot down several enemy planes, earning him the Navy Cross. Miller’s bravery not only challenged racial stereotypes but also inspired others to overcome adversity.
The women who served during this time also demonstrated incredible bravery. Many women volunteered as nurses, tending to the wounded and providing comfort during the darkest of hours. These women exhibited remarkable strength and resolve in the face of unimaginable challenges.
While the attack on Pearl Harbor was a tragic and devastating event, it is important to remember and honor the brave men and women who showed extraordinary courage in the midst of chaos. Their actions serve as a reminder of the resilience and bravery of the human spirit, and their stories continue to inspire generations of Americans.
The Price of Liberty
Freedom is not free. It comes at a price. And nowhere is this more evident than in the wake of the attack on Pearl Harbor. On that fateful day, when the bombs rained down and lives were lost, the cost of liberty became all too apparent.
Men and women sacrificed their lives in the defense of their country. They fought with courage and determination, facing unimaginable horrors for the sake of freedom. Their sacrifice will forever be remembered and honored.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt, in his address to Congress following the attack, spoke of the cost of this freedom. He said, “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… 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.”
The price of liberty is not just paid in the lives of those who serve, but also in the hearts and minds of the survivors. They carry the memories of their fallen comrades, and the weight of their sacrifice. Their stories serve as a reminder of the true cost of freedom.
As we reflect on the events of Pearl Harbor, let us never forget the price of liberty. It is a price that must be paid in blood, in tears, and in the unwavering commitment to defend the values we hold dear. The heroes of Pearl Harbor remind us that freedom is not something to be taken for granted. It is something to be cherished, protected, and fought for.
Remember Pearl Harbor
This attack, which claimed the lives of over 2,400 Americans and left more than 1,100 injured, remains one of the defining moments of American history. It was a day that forever changed the course of the war and the world.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt, in his famous “Day of Infamy” speech, declared that December 7, 1941, would “live in infamy.” He called upon the American people to never forget the sacrifice of those who perished at Pearl Harbor and to stand united against the forces of tyranny and aggression.
“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,” Roosevelt proclaimed.
From that day forward, “Remember Pearl Harbor” became a powerful reminder of the need to remain vigilant and prepared in the face of any threat to freedom and democracy. It serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of the American people in times of adversity.
Seventy-eight years later, we still remember Pearl Harbor. We honor the bravery and sacrifice of those who fought and died on that day. We pay tribute to the heroes who emerged from the ashes of the attack and went on to win the war.
As President Harry S. Truman once said, “Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices.”
So let us remember Pearl Harbor – not just as a historical event, but as a symbol of courage, unity, and the enduring spirit of the American people.
We Will Never Forget
These words are a reminder of the sacrifice and bravery shown by the men and women who were at Pearl Harbor that fateful day. Their courage and resilience in the face of adversity will always be remembered.
The attack on Pearl Harbor brought the United States into World War II, a conflict that would shape the course of history. The loss of life and destruction caused by the attack served as a rallying cry for Americans and a call to action.
We honor the memory of those who lost their lives on that day and pay tribute to the survivors who bravely fought back against the enemy. Their sacrifice and determination remind us of the strength of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable hardship.
As we reflect on the events of Pearl Harbor, we must never forget the lessons learned. The attack serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and preparedness in the face of threats to our nation’s security.
We will never forget the courage and sacrifice of those who were at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Their bravery and resilience continue to inspire future generations and remind us of the true cost of freedom.
| Quotes |
|---|
| “December 7, 1941 – a date which will live in infamy” – Franklin D. Roosevelt |
| “Yesterday, December 7, 1941, a date which will live in world history” – Joseph Grew |
| “The attack on Pearl Harbor awakened the nation from its slumber” – Walter Lord |
| “We must always remember Pearl Harbor as a grim reminder of the cost of complacency” – G. W. Feldman |
United We Stand
One of the most powerful messages to come out of the attack on Pearl Harbor was the phrase “United We Stand.” In the face of tragedy and adversity, the American people showed their resilience and determination to come together as one.
The attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, was a devastating blow to the United States. It killed and wounded thousands of military personnel and civilians, and destroyed numerous ships and aircraft. In the aftermath of the attack, the nation was in shock and mourning.
But instead of being divided by the tragedy, the American people rallied together. They put aside their differences and stood united in their resolve to defend their country and defeat their enemies. This spirit of unity and determination became a defining characteristic of the American people during World War II.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt captured this sentiment in his famous speech to Congress the day after the attack. He declared, “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.” This message resonated with the American people and became a rallying cry for the nation.
The phrase “United We Stand” became a symbol of the American spirit during World War II. It represented the collective strength and determination of the American people to stand together and overcome any challenge. It reminded the nation that, despite the loss and devastation, they were still united and would not be defeated.
The legacy of “United We Stand” lives on today. It serves as a reminder of the power of unity and the strength that comes from standing together in the face of adversity. It is a call to action for the American people to come together and work towards a common goal, just as they did during World War II.
In conclusion, the phrase “United We Stand” continues to echo through history as a powerful reminder of the resilience and determination of the American people. It serves as a testament to the strength that comes from unity and the ability to overcome any challenge when we stand together.
| Quote: | “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.” |
| Author: | Franklin D. Roosevelt |
Honoring the Fallen
In the wake of the devastating attack on Pearl Harbor, it is essential that we take a moment to honor and remember all those who made the ultimate sacrifice. The brave men and women who lost their lives on that fateful day will forever be remembered as heroes.
We stand here today, united in our grief and reverence, as we pay tribute to those who gave their lives defending our nation. Their selflessness and courage serve as a reminder of the cost of freedom and the duty we bear to protect it.
Each individual whose life was cut short on that December morning had dreams, hopes, and loved ones waiting for their return. As we reflect on their sacrifice, let us never forget the preciousness of life, nor the heavy responsibility we have to cherish and protect it.
We owe an eternal debt of gratitude to those who perished at Pearl Harbor. Their sacrifice serves as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by countless others in the defense of our nation throughout history. Their memory will live on in the hearts and minds of the American people for generations to come.
Today, we honor the fallen by preserving their stories, sharing their legacies, and ensuring that their sacrifice is never forgotten. We must educate future generations about the events of Pearl Harbor and the resilience shown by those who endured it.
Let us remember the fallen not only through words but also through our actions. By striving for peace, promoting understanding, and working towards a better future, we can pay tribute to their memory and ensure that their sacrifice was not in vain.
May we always remember the fallen heroes of Pearl Harbor and the countless others who have given their lives in service to our nation. They shall forever remain in our thoughts and prayers, and their memory will continue to inspire us to uphold the values they fought so bravely to defend.