Pearl Harbor - 1941

As the year and this blog wind down, I have among other things, carefully watched the world around me.  Most days are pretty much the same, with a scant few that are remarkable in one way or another.  Most of my education was devoid of American and World History due to skipping the 8th grade and doubling up on either math, english, or science through high school.  This year gave me a chance to catch up.

In memory and honor of those who fought and died on that infamous day at Pearl Harbor. “Only 2 defining forces have ever offered to die for you....Jesus Christ and the American Soldier. One died for your soul, the other for your freedom.” Lt. Col. Grant L. Rosensteel, Jr. USAF

This day in history "At 7:55 a.m. Hawaii time, a Japanese dive bomber bearing the red symbol of the Rising Sun of Japan on its wings appears out of the clouds above the island of Oahu. A swarm of 360 Japanese warplanes followed, descending on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor in a ferocious assault. The surprise attack struck a critical blow against the U.S. Pacific fleet and drew the United States irrevocably into World War II.With diplomatic negotiations with Japan breaking down, President Franklin D. Roosevelt and his advisers knew that an imminent Japanese attack was probable, but nothing had been done to increase security at the important naval base at Pearl Harbor. It was Sunday morning, and many military personnel had been given passes to attend religious services off base. At 7:02 a.m., two radar operators spotted large groups of aircraft in flight toward the island from the north, but, with a flight of B-17s expected from the United States at the time, they were told to sound no alarm. Thus, the Japanese air assault came as a devastating surprise to the naval base.
Much of the Pacific fleet was rendered useless: Five of eight battleships, three destroyers, and seven other ships were sunk or severely damaged, and more than 200 aircraft were destroyed. A total of 2,400 Americans were killed and 1,200 were wounded, many while valiantly attempting to repulse the attack. Japan's losses were some 30 planes, five midget submarines, and fewer than 100 men. Fortunately for the United States, all three Pacific fleet carriers were out at sea on training maneuvers. These giant aircraft carriers would have their revenge against Japan six months later at the Battle of Midway, reversing the tide against the previously invincible Japanese navy in a spectacular victory.
The day after Pearl Harbor was bombed, President Roosevelt appeared before a joint session of Congress and declared, "Yesterday, December 7, 1941--a date which will live in infamy--the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan." After a brief and forceful speech, he asked Congress to approve a resolution recognizing the state of war between the United States and Japan. The Senate voted for war against Japan by 82 to 0, and the House of Representatives approved the resolution by a vote of 388 to 1. The sole dissenter was Representative Jeannette Rankin of Montana, a devout pacifist who had also cast a dissenting vote against the U.S. entrance into World War I. Three days later, Germany and Italy declared war against the United States, and the U.S. government responded in kind.
The American contribution to the successful Allied war effort spanned four long years and cost more than 400,000 American lives"

PT after work, which was a combination of in the office and at home.  I am fortunate and appreciative of the fact that I have that flexibility.

Undecided on what to make for dinner, I stop at Pathmark for some salmon.  The fish monger is nowhere to be found, so I mosey on over to the meat dept.  Nothing there looks worth the price, so I backtrack...again, after waiting several minutes for the monger, I move on to the other side of the store.  Bacon is on sale, and so are eggs.  Perhaps two of my favorite foods.

Dinner is pancakes and bacon.  A double batch of pancakes, that Kyle says beat the crap out of his.....

Photo of the day "Pearl Harbor - 1941"