Bethpage-Tribune_1999-12-03

              REMEMBER PEACE HARBOR
DEC. 7,1941
Pearl Harbor, on the Island of O'ahu, Hawaii,
(then a territory of the United States) was
attacked by the Japanese imperial Navy, at
approximately 8:00 A.M., Sunday morning,
December 7,1941. The surprise attack had been
conceived by Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto. The
strking force of 353 Japanese aircraft was led by
Commander Mitsuo Fuchida. There had been no
formal declaration of war.
Approximately 100 ships of the U.S. Navy were
present that morning, consisting of battleships,
destroyers, cruisers and various support shies.
Over half the U.S. Pacific fleet.was out to sea,
including the carriers.
Simultaneously, nearby Hickam Field was also
the victim of the surprise attack by the Japanese.
18 Army Aircorps aircraft including bombers and
fighters and attack bombers were destroyed or
damaged on the ground. A few U.S. fighters
struggled into the air against the invaders and
gave a good account of themselves.
A total of twenty-nine Japanese aircraft were shot
down by ground Are and U.S pilots from various
military Installations on O'ahu.
USS ARIZONA MEMORIAL
The Memorial straddles the sunken hull of the battleship USS Arizona
and commemorates the December?, 1941,
Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.
MY BUDDIES & ME
We're down in the mess deck finishing breakfast.
Dressed in our whites ready to go on Sunday liberty, my buddies <fc me.
It's just a few more minutes now until "Colors" then a launch across the harbor and
town.
Today is a special day for my buddies & me.
I'm really looking forward to this day's liberty.
Many of us will go our separate ways today, but not us, we'll be together, my buddie
What was that explosion - - what was that jolt?
What's happening - - WHAT HAPPENED??!!
Silence now - - we're here in the mess deck, my buddies & me.
How long has it been --an eternity?
We're still in our whites now soiled and ragged by our blood, fuel oil amd the toll of
We 're still here together my buddies & me.
I wish we could have made our Sunday liberty.
I would have been nineteen today.
Mom and Pop don't grieve for me--a battleship sailor Is what I wanted to bi
I'm happy now with my buddies & me.
Skeletal hands entwined in our grave at the bottom of the sea.
Hey it's me, it's me and my buddies and me!
I. BUDD NEASE, USN
FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT'S PEARL HARBOR SPEECH
(December 8,1941)
To the Congress of the United States:
Yesterday, Dec. 7, 1941 - a date which will live in infamy - the United States of America was Buddenly
and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.
The United States was at peace with that nation and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in
conversation with the government and its emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the
Pacific.
Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in Oahu, the Japanese
ambassador to the United States and his colleagues delivered to the Secretary of State a formal reply
to a recent American message. While this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing
diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or armed attack.
It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was
deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time, the Japanese
government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions
of hope for continued peace.
The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian islands has caused severe damage to American naval and
military forces. Very many American lives have been lost. In addition, American ships have been
reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.
Yesterday, the Japanese government also launched an attack against Malaya.
Last night, Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong.
Last night, Japanese forces attacked Guam.
Last night, Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands.
Last night, the Japanese attacked Wake Island.
This morning, the Japanese attacked Midway Island.
Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts
of yesterday speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions
and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation.
As commander in chief of the Army and Navy, I have directed that all measures be taken for our
defense.
Always will we remember the character of the onslaught against us.
No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in
their righteous might will win through to absolute victory.
I believe I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only
defend ourselves to the uttermost, but will make very certain that this form of treachery shall never
endanger us again.
Hostilities exist. There is no blinking a"t the fact that that our people, our territory and our interests are
in grave danger.
With confidence in our armed forces - with the unbounding determination of our people - we will gain
the inevitable triumph - so help us God.
I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday,
Dec. 7, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese empire.
Courtesy of The American Legion Aux. #86 Joan Poppe, President