[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 182 (Monday, December 7, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S12614]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        PEARL HARBOR ANNIVERSARY

  Mr. AKAKA. Madam President, I rise in remembrance of the attack on 
Pearl Harbor, the ``Day of Infamy,'' 68 years ago today.
  I had other things on my mind when I woke up on the morning of 
Sunday, December 7, 1941. I was 17 years old and studying at the 
Kamehameha School for Boys. I climbed to the roof of my dormitory in 
the foothills above Pearl Harbor--and saw the planes swarm. I watched 
as their bombs and torpedoes delivered a crippling blow to the Pacific 
fleet. I saw smoke rise to the sky as the USS Arizona and other 
battleships sank.
  When the planes flew over our campus for a second bombing run in 
Kaneohe, close enough to see the unmistakable red sun of imperial 
Japan, I confirmed what I had feared: we were under attack. I did not 
know what would happen next, but I knew for certain that my life, 
Hawaii, the United States, and the world would never be the same.
  As an ROTC cadet, I spent the rest of that day in the foothills above 
our campus, searching for paratroopers. Later, I joined the Army and 
served as a noncommissioned officer in the Pacific.
  Hawaii changed immediately. Martial law was declared. A military 
governor was appointed. Food and supplies were rationed. The people of 
Hawaii were subjected to a curfew, and sat in darkness all night--
lights were banned to make it harder for the enemy to find the islands.
  The terrible attack inspired a generation of young people to set 
their lives and dreams aside to fight World War II. When we returned 
home, victorious, we returned to a grateful Nation. Thanks to the G.I. 
bill and other reintegration efforts, these young veterans went on to 
become The Greatest Generation: Presidents, Nobel laureates, and 
leaders in their communities.
  We who lived through Pearl Harbor and fought World War II know too 
well that today's service men and women face challenges similar to 
those from our youth. So does our Nation. But we benefit from the 
lessons of World War II: that our warriors can do great things if they 
return to a grateful Nation that provides them with the care and 
support they have earned.
  World War II changed our country forever, revolutionizing our defense 
forces, industrializing our Nation, and leading the United States to 
assert its global leadership and become the world's superpower.
  As we pause to remember those lost on the ``Day of Infamy,'' let us 
also honor those who are overseas fighting today, and all those who 
have sacrificed to defend our great country over the years.
  Like the veterans of World War II, today's servicemembers and former 
servicemembers can achieve great things if they are supported by the 
Nation they have defended. With that in mind, let us show our thanks by 
honoring our veterans and preserving the Union they risked everything 
to protect.
  Mr. LeMIEUX. Madam President, 68 years ago today, the United States 
was thrust into World War II following the surprise attack on Pearl 
Harbor. Today, we pay tribute to those who survived the attack and 
remember the men and women who perished.
  Although the attack claimed the lives of more than 2,300 Americans, 
it did not break the resolve of our military. Today, we are grateful 
for the service of those we lost in conflict as well as those who 
returned after fighting to keep us safe and free. I join all Floridians 
in honoring those who fought for our freedom on that day and throughout 
the ensuing campaigns in Europe and the Pacific.
  On this Pearl Harbor Day, I thank all World War II veterans who 
answered our Nation's call to serve in the cause of freedom. They are 
true heroes and our Nation will always remember their sacrifice.

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