December 7, 1941
On this date in History, America's Navy was attacked at Pearl Harbor Hawaii by the Naval Forces of the Empire of Japan. Over 2500 military personal lost their lives and the bulk of the Pacific fleet was nearly lost. The loss we remember the most is the Battleship Arizona. Sunk to the bottom of the Harbor. Most of the crew was lost, but never to be forgoten. It was the start of the war which ended with a United States, Brittan, Russian, and other allies VICTORY!!!
On November 25, 2006, a Hero of the Pearl Harbor defense died in Tuson Arizona. He was Army Air Corp fighter pilot, Kenneth M. Taylor. He was 86. On the day of the attaks, he was assigned to Wheeler Air Base on Ohau. He ordered that his and his wingman's planes (P-40 fighters not fullly armed) be warmed up as the sneak attacks took place. They headed up to Haleiwa Field, dressed in a tuxedo(dressed for a party from the night before),the 21 year old Lt. and his wingman George Welch took off and the two of them engaged the enemy planes. Taylor was credited with 2 air kills. For their service, Taylor & Welch were awarded the Distinguished Serive Cross.
It is amazing what people can do, when they have to get the job done. I want to thank all who served in World War II & including those who serve today. President Frankin D. Roosevelt did say it best as we entered the war...Sunday, December 7, 1941, "A date which will live in infamy." I ask that we never forget.
David & Joanne
P.S. I took Joanne to Hawaii for her first time in July 2006. We paid are respects at the USS Arizona Memorial and her saliors 7 Marines that lost their lives that day. Here are some of the photo's I took.
Most of our WWII vets are gone now, but we will never stop being grateful for all they did (my daddy included).
GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS...those currently serving, and all those who have served.
My prior boss (now 84) would take us out to lunch this day every year. My new boss, well, not too patriotic I shall say. What a shame. Thanks again David,
ALady
Thank you for allowing me to post my photos of the USS Arizona. Lesley mentioned in a note to me that she was amazed that she is still leaking oil. A couple of days before the attack. The Arizona was just had re-fueled with 1,000,000 gallons of oil. Since the sinking and to this day, she still leaks about 1-2 quarts of oil per day. So after 65 years...the ship still has most of the oil onboard.
I have to encourge those who have never visited the memorial, to do so. It is quite an experience. We plan to visit again, the next time we are on Oahu. In Yakima we had 20 Pearl Harbor survivors. Today, only 7 are still alive. If you know a World War II veteren. Tell them thank you...that just might make their day.
David
P.S. A photo of the Battleship USS Missiouri...Moored in Battleship row in Pearl Harbor. She is facing the USS Arizona...Bow to Bow. I took this photo from the Airzona Memorial.
Attention on Deck!....The USS Arizona
A Moment of Silence........Thank you!
Freedom is not free--and these soldiers proved that. May God bless their memory forevermore...and GOD BLESS AMERICA...
May their memory and sacrifice never be forgotten.
With deepest respect, Don
Over the years I have been blessed to meet and talk to survivors of that fate full day. The story is retold time and time again with pride and humility. They are the greatest generation of Americans and I'm proud of being child of this generation. War is hell, as we are reminded by today's soldiers.
Shirley