[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 187 (Wednesday, December 7, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Page S8381]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
PEARL HARBOR
Mr. REID. Madam President, 70 years ago today the attack on Pearl
Harbor changed our country forever. It also hardened our resolve to
become a better, stronger nation, and that we have become.
An example is the USS Nevada, a great battleship that epitomizes the
resiliency of our country. While in the port of Oahu on December 7,
1941, the battleship Nevada was hit by many bombs and a torpedo. Sixty
American sailors died. Less than a year later, that great battleship
returned to service and served valiantly for our country during World
War II.
Today we honor the living Pearl Harbor veterans for their courage and
sacrifice. Here in the Senate we refer to our Medal of Honor winner Dan
Inouye, and Senator Akaka, and Frank Lautenberg. All three served in
World War II.
We also remember the nearly 2,400 Americans who lost their lives that
day and the hundreds of thousands more who made the ultimate sacrifice
during World War II. These servicemembers are heroes. They set a fine
example for the men and women who protect our freedoms today, and none
of us will ever forget their courage.
____________________