[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 195 (Friday, December 8, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2325-E2326]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONOR AMERICA'S VETERANS ON DECEMBER 7, NATIONAL PEARL HARBOR 
                            REMEMBRANCE DAY

                                 ______


                            HON. TIM ROEMER

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 7, 1995

  Mr. ROEMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 54th 
Anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. This day allows Americans of 
all ages to honor and remember those who lost their lives in the attack 
on Pearl Harbor.
  Early on the morning of Sunday, December 7, 1941, the Empire of Japan 
launched a brutal and unprovoked attack on the U.S. Navy, Army, Air 
Force, and Marine Corps bases at Pearl Harbor, HI. Over 2,400 Americans 
were killed and 1,200 wounded on that fateful day--the day that 
President Roosevelt said ``will live in infamy.''
  It was not until after World War II ended that the American people 
were fully apprised of what a severe, crippling blow the attack on 
Pearl Harbor inflicted on our defenses. The best of our Navy and our 
Army in the Pacific was virtually wiped out in one devastating blow. 
But what the Japanese Empire did not count on was the galvanizing 
effect that this dastardly attack would have on the American people. 
Prior to December 7, the role of the United States in world affairs was 
the topic of intense debate. That debate ended as the bombs fell. All 
Americans became united in 

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the effort for victory with a vigor and determination unknown in any 
American conflict, before or since.
  The ultimate tragedy of Pearl Harbor was the fact that it could have 
been foreseen and prevented. Candidates for graduation at the Japanese 
military academies had been asked to plan an attack on Pearl Harbor as 
part of their final examinations each year since 1931. The Japanese 
secret code had been broken, and the State Department was aware that an 
attack was imminent. However, the location was not known, and so our 
commanders were not notified in a timely fashion.
  This does not mean, however, that our 3,600 casualties were killed or 
wounded in vain. The heroism demonstrated that fateful Sunday morning 
did much to inspire millions of Americans to greater sacrifice and 
heroism which was necessary for our ultimate victory. Every 5 years, on 
December 7, the survivors of Pearl Harbor, reunite at Pearl Harbor. 
This year will mark the 54th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor and our 
thoughts and prayers will be those survivors and their families as well 
as the families who have lost sons and daughters in that conflict.

                          ____________________