Merry Christmas, Season’s Greetings, Happy Holidays, Go Army, Beat Navy! All of these are phrases that we have become accustomed to hearing during this part of the year. As we mourn yet another Army Black Knight football loss at the hands of the Midshipmen of the Naval Academy, we also prepare for the festive season in which we celebrate the birth of our Savior. The first week in December also includes a date which is significant in our ability to openly celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
On December 7, 1941 the United States, keeping a watchful eye on an encroaching German empire in Europe, was rocked awake in a surprise attack by the Japanese Navy. In an effort to keep the United States from hindering their plans for domination in the Pacific, the Japanese attacked the Headquarters of the US Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The pre-emptive strike was relentless. Over 300 Japanese planes attacked the fleet in the harbor with the primary goal of destroying the US Aircraft Carriers, thus crippling the reach of United States Navy.
Despite the fortune of not having any aircraft carriers at Pearl on that fateful day, the Navy and the United States suffered a devastating blow. Any hopes of supporting our allies in Europe and the Pacific without committing troops to combat were dashed as the United States suffered approximately 3,400 casualties. As the entire United States mobilized to support the military action necessary to defeat the Axis powers, Admiral Yamamoto of the Japanese Imperial Navy realized the will of the American people and was reported to say of the attack, “I fear we have awakened a sleeping giant and instilled in him a terrible resolve.”
Men and women of this great country came together in a united effort to defend our freedoms as well as those of countries less capable of doing so. Never before has this country experienced such a cohesive effort as “green” teenagers and older veterans alike were thrust into combat to save the world from aggression. Only through the effort of these heroes, backed by an incredible nation were they able to persevere. These men and women came to be known as the “Greatest Generation” and have inspired millions of others to take of up the sword of democracy to defend those freedoms we hold dear.
As we move forward in this wonderful Christmas season toward the celebration of the birth of Christ, let us pause on December 7, Pearl Harbor Day. Let us remember all those who died in the flames and the watery grave of Pearl Harbor. Let us remember the “Greatest Generation” and the sacrifices they endured so that we remained free. Let us remember and be inspired by a nation dedicated to rid the world of oppressive aggression. As we remember all these past heroes, let us also keep in our prayers the legacy of that Greatest Generation, the servicemen and women of the United States Armed Forces, who through the events of September 11, 2001 were thrust into battle, not against an enemy who desires to dominate us, as in 1941, but against an enemy that wants to destroy us. James P. Schreffler, MAJ, AV, Branson, MO