Why Do We Remember Pearl Harbor

Pearl Harbor and World War II

When we visit Pearl Harbor, we are reminded of the famous quote that President Roosevelt is known for, “December 7, 1941 is a date which will live in infamy” (Gillon).

Hawaii was surprisingly attacked early in the morning on that day when Japanese airplanes

viciously attacked. No one would have ever thought that Japan would attack because of the far

distance between Hawaii and Japan. Many were in a Christmas spirit and were preparing to go

to church. The attack came as a complete surprise and will always be remembered. The changes

that occurred on that day will be with us for the rest of our lives.

Japan’s invasion on Pearl Harbor was premeditated. Their first wave of airplanes arrived

at 7:53 a.m. and

Visitors observe oil

still leaking from the Arizona’s fuel tanks. It amounts to a few quarts of oil a day that come to

the surface. “They are droplets known as Pearl Harbor’s black tears” (Potts). Every day there

are hundreds of thousands of guests that come to pay their respect.

Pearl Harbor is remembered for a day that significantly changed history. After the

Japanese airplanes attacked Pearl Harbor, Americans joined together to help in the war effort.

When we look back on what happened on December 7, 1941, we are thankful that Americans got

together to help each other. We remember what the American soldiers sacrificed for our country

during World War II. We are thankful for their heroic deeds and thankful that citizens in our

country did whatever was necessary to help in this time of need. We, on the other hand,

especially those of Japanese ancestry, know that it wasn’t easy for the Japanese internees to

return back to society because when they returned, they found everything in ruins. They found

jobs as farmers and had to work under whites. After World War II, Japanese struggled, but