The tide of the war started to change in 1943, with the fight to secure Guadalcanal ending in February, giving the U.S. It was these qualities, the resilience and determination, that helped shape this country’s, and indeed the entire world’s, future. He went on to say “First in the importance in the American scene has been the inspiring proof of the great qualities of our fighting men.” “The past year was perhaps the most crucial for modern civilization the coming year will be filled with violent conflicts- yet with high promise of better things.” Just over a year after the attack on Pearl Harbor, in his 1943 State of the Union speech, President Franklin Roosevelt spoke of the challenges that remained, saying:
We quickly prepared for the long hard war to come.
We can never forget the heavy price paid 77 years ago… 21 vessels damaged or sunk, 170 planes destroyed, more than 2,400 dead and 1,200 wounded - Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen and civilians.ĭespite these heavy losses, it did not break the American spirit – in fact it charged it. For those of us that live here, serve here, I will tell you we think of this day, every day. December 7th.on these hallowed grounds.įor the many, the date is the reminder. It is truly an honor to be speaking to all of you today. Most importantly, a special welcome to the ‘Greatest Generation,’ our World War Two veterans and Pearl Harbor survivors, to whom we owe an immeasurable debt for your heroic actions. Welcome and thank you for your attendance today.
There are a number of distinguished guests here today, but in the interest of time I won’t try to acknowledge everyone, but I do want to take just a moment to recognize a few honored attendees … Thank you, Brian, for the introduction and for your leadership and stewardship of this historic place and thank you Superintendent Ashwell for your remarks this morning. National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Commemoration “Forging the Future - The Unconquerable Spirit of America in 1943”
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