keep calm and national pearl harbor remembrance day

And what lived was the shock wave that soon swept across America, forever immortalizing December 7th, 1941. They raced to their stations, and some strapped pistols over pajamas, and fought and died. The abstract threat was suddenly real.īut these men did not panic. And then, in one horrible instant, they froze in disbelief. Out West, it was late morning, many families still at church.Īt first, to the American sailors at Pearl, the hum of engines sounded routine, and why not? To them, the idea of war seemed palpable but remote. On the mainland, people listened to the football games on the radio, turned to songs like the 'Chattanooga Choo-Choo,' comics like 'Terry and the Pirates,' movies like 'Sergeant York.' In New York, families went window-shopping. And they were of his 8-month-old son whom he had never seen. On the West Virginia, a machinist's mate looked at the photos just received from his wife. Aboard California, yeoman Durell Connor wrapped Christmas presents.

Ray Emory, who was on the Honolulu, read the morning newspaper. Nevada, a brass band prepared to play 'The Star Spangled Banner.' On other ships, sailors readied for the 8 a.m. Some who were awake looked out and savored the still and tranquil harbor.Īnd on the stern of the U.S.S. Thousands of troops slept soundly in their bunks. Thank you very much for that introduction, Don, and thank you all for that welcome. To our Secretary of Defense and our Chairman of our Joint Chiefs members of our Cabinet distinguished Governors here and so many Members of the United States Congress Admiral Larson members of our Armed Forces, then and now family and friends of the Arizona and Utah fellow veterans.

Keep calm and national pearl harbor remembrance day