Dear John,
On December 7, 1941, the Japanese army attacked Pearl Harbor in Oahu, Hawaii, precipitating the entrance of the United States into World War II.
On this day, 2,403 people lost their lives. Another 1,178 people were wounded, and my uncle Max Kaplan was one of them. His best friend was killed on the ship next to his that day, and Uncle Max was thrown into the water and remained there for 24 hours before his rescue. For that, he received America’s Purple Heart.
Today, we pause to remember one of the most challenging moments in our nation's history. It would be called by President Franklin Roosevelt "a day that will live in infamy.” Millions of men, including my own father, ran to sign up for military recruitment the day after the attack. Women would be equally involved in the war effort both here and abroad. And as we honor those who sacrificed, many of whom suffered and died, we should not only reflect on the past but also consider its lessons for the future.
This day is a stark reminder of the tragedy of war and the enduring impact of violence. President Roosevelt led us successfully through World War II, but he in no way underestimated its horrors. His words are a constant reminder of the sobriety with which he and others approached their responsibilities in the war:
“I have seen war. I have seen war on land and sea. I have seen blood running from the wounded. I have seen men coughing out their gassed lungs. I have seen the dead in the mud. I have seen cities destroyed. I have seen 200 limping, exhausted men come out of line—the survivors of a regiment of 1,000 that went forward 48 hours before. I have seen children starving. I have seen the agony of mothers and wives. I hate war.”
In remembering Pearl Harbor, we must recommit ourselves to the pursuit of peace and to addressing the root causes of conflict – whether they be political, economic, or social. Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day should be a day to deeply consider how we, as a nation and as global citizens, can foster understanding, dialogue, and justice to prevent such tragedies from recurring.
Let's use this day to reflect on our national policies and how they impact the world. Are we contributing to a world of peace and equality? Are we ensuring that our actions, both at home and abroad, reflect our values of compassion and justice? These are difficult but necessary questions as we strive to build a better, more peaceful world.
Today, from Ukraine to Israel and Gaza, the issues of war face our generation as they faced those before us. May this be a moment for sober reflection for us, as it was for them. Let’s pray to be as wise, and courageous, as they were.
As President, I will try my best. Please help me get there.
