SATURDAY December 7, 2024

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

A time of war, and a time of peace.
Ecclesiastes 3:8

On August 23, 1994, the United States Congress designated December 7 as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. This year marks the 83rd anniversary of the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, and the consequent entry of the United States into World War II. The theme for this year’s National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Commemoration is, “Forging Ahead,” which aims to ensure that the younger generation preserves and reverences this historic legacy.

Each year on December 7, we remember the 2,403 service members and civilians who were killed during an unprovoked Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. It is estimated that another 1,178 people were injured in the wave of attacks from 200 armed Japanese aircraft that also sunk two U.S. Navy battleships––the USS Arizona and the USS Utah. The Japanese also obliterated 188 American aircraft.

However, Hawaii wasn’t the only U.S. territory that Japan aimed for. The bombing of Pearl Harbor was part of a larger coordinated attack on other Asian-Pacific territories of the U.S. and British empires. Japan attacked the U.S. territories of Guam and the Philippines, as well as the British territories of Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaya (part of present-day Malaysia), and the independent nation of Thailand.

Australia did not escape the bloodshed of war. Japan attacked them on February 19, 1942. At least 235 Australians died that day. It was recorded as one of the most deadly attacks on Australian soil during World War II. After the war, people still grieving counted their losses and began the long process of rebuilding their lives. They forged ahead into times of peace.

In the hearts of people today, fear is growing of the threat of World War III, especially now that Ukraine was given permission to use long-range missiles to strike at the heart of Russia. It has also been reported that North Korea has allowed Russia to use about 10,000 of its troops. Finland and Sweden are preparing for war. Whatever happens, we must continue to forge ahead in Christ, serving Him and caring for our families.

There will be no universal peace till the Prince of Peace appears.
~J.C. Ryle~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!