[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 171 (Tuesday, December 11, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2252-E2253]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 NATIONAL PEARL HARBOR REMEMBRANCE DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TIM ROEMER

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 11, 2001

  Mr. ROEMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Sixtieth 
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, Hawaii. Over 2,400 
Americans were killed and 1,200 wounded on that fateful day--the day 
that President Roosevelt said ``will life 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

[[Page E2253]]

was virtually wiped out in a single devastating blow. But the Japanese 
empire did not count on the galvanizing effect that this dastardly 
attack would have on the American people. In the wake of the events of 
September 11, 2001, we have once again witnessed how this powerful 
effect unites our country against evil.
  Prior to December 7, 1941, the role of the United States in world 
affairs was the topic of intense debate. That debate ended as the bombs 
fell on Pearl Harbor. All Americans became united in the effort for 
victory with a vigor and determination unknown in any American 
conflict, before or since, perhaps with the exception of the resolve 
demonstrated by the American people since September 11th. The ultimate 
tragedy of Pearl Harbor was the fact that it could have been predicted 
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.
  Mr. Speaker, 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. 
This year will mark the 60th 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 the war that 
followed.

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