I realize you are all busy trying to close out 2017, but I wanted to take just a minute of your time to talk about what December 7th means for our country.

Today is a very important day in the history of America as December 7th marks the 76th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor.

I have said this before, and I still firmly believe, that it is very important that we remember the events of December 7, 1941, “a date that will live in infamy,” according to President Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

More than 2,000 Americans lost their lives and more than 1,100 were wounded during the Japanese attack on the United States naval base at Pearl Harbor. The Pacific Fleet of the U.S. Navy suffered tremendous losses that day, as almost two dozen ships were sunk or severely damaged, including every battleship in the fleet. Almost 300 aircraft were destroyed or damaged during the attack. Fortunately, six of the battleships were repaired and were able to return to service in the war.

The United States government, led by President Roosevelt, declared war on Japan on December 8, 1941. Just days later, on December 11th, Japan’s allies – Germany and Italy – declared war on the United States. The United States declared war on Germany and Italy the same day and World War II officially began.

As you go about your duties today, please remember what today’s anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor means for our nation. Let us all give thanks to those who gave all in the name of freedom during World War II, and those men and women who are currently serving in our military.

H.D. Chambers
Superintendent of Schools