Remembering Pearl Harbor
Eighty-two years ago today, on December 7, 1941, Pearl Harbor was treacherously attacked by the Japanese, killing more than 3,000 Americans, damaging hundreds of planes and over a dozen ships.
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President Franklin Roosevelt, in a speech given the following day in a joint session of Congress, described this attack as "a date which will live in infamy."
Japan, Germany and Italy immediately declared war against the US. In response, Congress issued official declarations of war against the attacking nations. For the next four years, Americans fought bravely
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and many died on the battlefields of Europe and the Pacific. One story from this day at Pearl Harbor relates to the battleship USS California (pictured above during the aftermath of the attack). During the attack, this ship took three direct hits, including two torpedoes and a bomb. |
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| Even though they were under constant bombardment and fires blazed, her sailors stayed at their posts fighting bravely. In fact, four of the crew earned Congressional Medals of Honor that day, three of them with their lives. The California eventually sank from all of the damage, but was later salvaged, repaired, and returned to service during World War II (pictured is the rebuilt ship). |
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WallBuilders' museum includes the December 7, 1941 "Orders of the Day" for the USS California. Since it was a Sunday, included are details for church services for the ship's crew: |
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0745 -- Rig for church (starboard forecastle, weather permitting).
0750 -- Send boat to Officers' Club landing for Chaplain Maguire.
0830 -- Chaplain's Bible discussion class (port side Crew's Reception Room). 0830 -- Confessions (Crew's library).
0900 -- Divine Service (Catholic).
1000 -- Divine Service (Protestant) |
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Obviously the attack, which began around 8 am, interrupted this schedule, preventing these church services from taking place. This document is an incredible glimpse into the normal routine these sailors were expecting for the day.
On Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, we remember the men and women who lost their lives. We also honor our veterans who have faithfully served our nation throughout the generations. |
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| Presenting America’s forgotten history and heroes with an emphasis on our moral, religious and constitutional heritage. |
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