Eighty years ago, today more than 2,300 American servicemen and 54 civilians died. Another 1,178   were wounded and millions of dollars of military equipment were destroyed, including two U.S. Navy battleships and 188 aircraft.

The carnage took place at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii and it was caused by Imperial Japan’s attack on the U. S. Naval Base there.  The carefully calculated sneak attack on December 7, 1941, was designed to cripple America’s ability to wage war in the pacific. It did not.

Japan’s imperialists thought Americans were soft and would shrink from war if we were attacked and saw our friends soaked in blood.  They were very wrong. The attack awakened the sleeping giant that would become the most dominant military power in the world. America’s military went on to win the war in the Pacific, freeing millions of people who had come under the yoke of the tyrants in the Japanese Army; and ultimately to force Japan to surrender.

There are precious few World War II veterans left for us to honor, but we can go on honoring their bravery and their sacrifice that started at Pearl Harbor. 

Our nation has the right – and the duty – to proudly remember the bravery of our servicemen and women –not only those that fought during World War II, but those who fought in all subsequent wars. These soldiers, sailors, marines, pilots, and nurses represent the spirit of America’s dedication to freedom and liberty.

Please join me in taking a moment today to reflect on the bravery of ordinary Americans who went to battle and did extraordinary things.

God Bless you

BettyLou DeCroce

Assemblywoman