Pearl Harbor attack

On December 7, 1941, the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service launched a surprise military strike on the United States naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The attack began at 7:48 a.m. Hawaiian Time and resulted in the destruction of significant portions of the Pacific Fleet, including eight battleships. Over 2,400 Americans were killed and more than 1,000 were wounded. The surprise attack led to the United States' formal entry into World War II the next day.

Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, President Franklin D. Roosevelt delivered his famous 'Day of Infamy' speech to the United States Congress on December 8, 1941. In this address, he outlined the events of the previous day and emphasized the deliberate nature of the assault. Congress declared war on Japan, marking the official entry of the United States into World War II. The declaration passed with only one dissenting vote. This response united the nation in support of the war effort against the Axis powers.

On December 11, 1941, just days after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy declared war on the United States. This followed the United States' declaration of war on Japan. Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini’s declarations brought the European Axis powers into direct conflict with the United States. As a response, the United States formally declared war on Germany and Italy, thus entering the European theater of World War II. This broadened the scope of the U.S.'s involvement in the global conflict.

On February 19, 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, which authorized the internment of tens of thousands of Japanese Americans, many of whom lived on the West Coast. The order was motivated by fears of espionage and sabotage following the attack on Pearl Harbor. This drastic action resulted in the relocation and internment of over 110,000 Japanese Americans. It remains a significant and controversial part of American history, highlighting issues of civil liberties and wartime hysteria.

In response to the need for effective communication and the management of war-related news, President Roosevelt established the Office of War Information (OWI) on May 27, 1943. The OWI was responsible for disseminating information about the war to the American public and allied nations, combating enemy propaganda, and promoting support for the war effort. It played a crucial role in maintaining public morale and ensuring the American public was informed of the war's progress. The creation of OWI was part of the broader strategy to unite the home front.

USS Missouri (BB-63), the last battleship commissioned by the United States Navy, was launched on January 29, 1944, and officially commissioned on April 1, 1944. Known as the 'Mighty Mo,' the USS Missouri played a significant role in World War II, particularly in the Pacific Theater. It is most famous for hosting the signing of the Japanese Instrument of Surrender on September 2, 1945, which officially ended World War II. The ship’s commissioning marked a critical point in expanding the capabilities of the U.S. naval forces during the war.

On September 2, 1945, the Japanese Instrument of Surrender was signed aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay, officially ending World War II. This event marked the culmination of Allied operations following the dropping of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The signing ceremony was attended by representatives from the Allied powers and signified the unconditional surrender of Japanese forces. This historic moment brought an end to years of global conflict that began with aggression involving the Axis powers.

On October 18, 1949, the first memorial at Pearl Harbor was dedicated. This early memorial, while predating the more famous USS Arizona Memorial, marked an important step in honoring those who were lost during the attack. The dedication ceremony was a solemn occasion aimed at preserving the memory of the service members and civilians who perished on December 7, 1941. The establishment of the memorial highlighted the effort to ensure that the events of Pearl Harbor would be remembered by future generations.

The USS Arizona Memorial was dedicated on May 30, 1962, over the remains of the sunken battleship USS Arizona. The memorial honors the 1,177 crewmen who lost their lives during the attack on Pearl Harbor. It is an iconic structure that stretches across the sunken hull without touching it, preserving it as a sacred site. The memorial has become a place of reflection and remembrance for visitors worldwide, exemplifying both the loss and the heroism shown on that tragic day.

The 50th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack on December 7, 1991, was marked by numerous commemorative events and ceremonies. Veterans, dignitaries, and survivors of the attack gathered to remember the fallen and reflect on the impact of the events of December 7, 1941. President George H. W. Bush delivered a speech highlighting the bravery and sacrifice of those involved. The anniversary served to remind new generations of the importance of remembering history and the lessons learned from warfare.

On December 27, 2016, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visited Pearl Harbor alongside U.S. President Barack Obama. This visit was a historic moment symbolizing reconciliation and the deep partnership between the United States and Japan. Prime Minister Abe paid tribute to the victims of the 1941 attack and acknowledged the tragedies of war, emphasizing peace and cooperation between the two nations. The visit was seen as a significant step towards healing and showcasing the enduring alliance formed post-World War II.