Dec. 7, 1941

Most Americans have milestone memories: The assassination of President Kennedy, the space shuttle disasters, the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

For many older Americans, that defining moment is Dec. 7, 1941. That's the day Japanese bombers attacked Pearl Harbor, pushing the United States into World War II.

Sixty-two years ago, news of even major events like Pearl Harbor did not travel instantaneously around the globe. But thanks to radio broadcasts and newspapers that printed extra editions, the nation soon became aware of what had happened.

More than any other single event, the attack and its subsequent casualties forged Americans resolve to protect our shores at all costs. Soon the American war effort was supplying troops, battleships and bomber crews around the globe. World War II's battles never reached our homeland.

Today we salute the men and women who died on that Dec. 7. And we remember the sacrifices made by so many Americans to keep us safe and free.