Remembering Pearl Harbor
December 7, 2019, marks the
78th anniversary of the attack on
Pearl Harbor. This was a pivotal day
in world history, ultimately leading
the United States to enter the Second
World War.
Prior to the attack on Pearl Harbor,
Japan participated in a series
of invasions into China, believing
the only way to solve its economic
and demographic problems was to
expand into China and take over
its import market. This attitude
helped create rising tension with
the United States, and American
offi cials ultimately responded with
economic sanctions and trade embargoes.
Although it seemed war
was inevitable, the Japanese preempted
the American military with
a surprise attack targeting Pearl
Harbor, which is 2,000 miles from
the U.S. mainland and 4,000 miles
from Japan.
Pearl Harbor is a U.S. naval base
located near Honolulu, HI. On a
Sunday morning on December 7,
1941, just before 8:00 a.m. local
time, Japanese fi ghter planes descended
on the base in a surprise
attack. Five additional attacks followed
throughout the day. The Japanese
managed to destroy nearly
20 American naval vessels, which
BRONX TIMES REPORTER, N 50 OVEMBER 8-14, 2019 BTR
included eight battleships, and
more than 300 airplanes. While the
military equipment could ultimately
be replaced, the more than 2,400
military personnel and civilians who
died paid the ultimate price.
It is believed the United States
was especially surprised by the attack,
as American military leaders
felt, if an attack were to take place,
it would come from the sea rather
than the air. In addition, American
intelligence offi cials were confi dent
that any Japanese attack would
take place in one of the European
colonies in the South Pacifi c, such
as Singapore or Indochina, which
are closer to Japan than Hawaii.
Despite devastating Pearl Harbor,
all hopes were not lost that
day, and the Japanese could not
cripple America’s Pacifi c Fleet. Aircraft
carriers were not docked at
the base, and the key onshore oil
storage, shipyards, repair shops,
and docks were left largely intact.
From a functional standpoint, the
U.S. Navy was able to quickly rebound.
However, even 78 years
later, the residual emotional effects
of the attack continue, particularly
among WWII veterans, as well as
the family members of those who
perished.