Remembering Pearl Harbor - Honoring our Heroes

The events on December 7, 1941, started around 6 a.m. as 183 fighters, bombers and torpedo planes left six Japanese aircraft carriers that were waiting in the Pacific Ocean. Shortly before 7 a.m., the 14th Naval Headquarters at Pearl Harbor Naval Station receives a report that the U.S.S. Ward had "attacked, fired upon, and dropped depth charges upon a submarine operating in defensive sea area." Within a few minutes, around 50 planes were spotted heading for Hawaii. Less than an hour later, the Japanese attack was in full swing as dive bombers attack planes on the ground to prevent retaliation and torpedoes strike ships throughout the area. At 7:55 a.m., an un-coded message goes out to every ship and base from the Command Center. It says, "Air raid on Pearl Harbor...This is not a drill." The U.S.S. Arizona is completely destroyed, and the U.S.S. Oklahoma is capsized. The attack sinks three other ships and damages many additional vessels. More than 180 aircraft are destroyed. By 10:30 a.m., the Japanese attackers had returned to their carriers and the hospitals were filled with the wounded. The death toll eventually reaches 2,930.

Today marks the 70th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor--the event that forever changed the world. Days of remembrance exist to remind us all of the sacrifices that were made on our behalf and Pearl Harbor Day is a day for us to reflect on the service and sacrifice of our past veterans.

We enjoy our liberties today because of the many brave members of the armed services who have put our country before their own lives. When a soldier goes into battle, it is with the knowledge that they are putting themselves in harms way and might not return home. The great cause of ensuring freedom and protecting America has called them, and they have answered. As the members of our armed forces spend every day watchfully working to protect our great nation, we too should stand guard every day to keep them all in our thoughts and prayers.

Sadly, many such as those at Pearl Harbor have paid the greatest price. As I reflect on the sacrifice and selflessness our veterans have and are making, I am reminded that only two have ever offered to lay down their life for us, one is Jesus Christ and the other is the American soldier.

It has been more than sixty-five years since the end of World War II and it is evident we still cannot repay the tremendous debt owed to all of our military veterans. Pearl Harbor Day is just one day that we pause to recognize and honor the sacrifices made by these fearless warriors. And as new heroes return to Missouri from serving overseas, we here at home continue to honor their sacrifice by doing everything we can to show them our appreciation.

Reflecting today on the attack on Pearl Harbor, we are reminded that our freedoms are not free but paid for by the blood and sweat of our past, present, and future service men and women, whom served with pride, determination, and distinction. We, as Americans, owe them a great deal for their selfless acts in defending our freedoms; the freedoms we still enjoy today.

Contact Me

As always, I appreciate hearing your comments, opinions, and concerns. Please feel free to contact me in Jefferson City at (573) 751-2459. You may write to me at Jason Crowell; Missouri Senate; State Capitol; Jefferson City, MO 65101, or e-mail me at: jcrowell@senate.mo.gov or visit me on the web at http://www.senate.mo.gov/crowell.