Day of infamy

It is an honor to be here today on this solemn occasion to reflect upon the infamous tragedy of Dec. 7, 1941, and pay tribute to those who perished.

Today marks the 63rd anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. On that fateful morning in December 1941, without warning or declaration of war, 360 Japanese planes attacked the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, sinking the USS Arizona, the USS Oklahoma and three other ships. When the smoke finally cleared on Dec. 7, a day President Roosevelt said would "live in infamy," more than 180 aircraft had been destroyed, with casualties totaling 2,335 military personnel and 68 civilians.

In many ways the surprise attack affected nearly everyone in our nation. On the USS Arizona, hundreds were killed in barely more than an instant. All told, hundreds more would die soon after. The individual stories of loss were almost greater than anyone could imagine in 20th century America. For example, there were 36 sets of brothers assigned to the USS Arizona alone. Of those, 61 perished in the attack. Only a single set of brothers survived.

The heroism and sacrifices of Americans who fought on that "day of infamy" galvanized the slumbering giant of the United States as our citizens vowed to "Remember Pearl Harbor!" Moreover, the attack silenced the debate between isolation and engagement, uniting our nation as never before in defeating Japan and the Axis powers.

The bravery and sacrifices that followed Pearl Harbor have long inspired us all, now and for all future years. Tom Brokaw later recognized such strength of purpose by naming these dedicated Americans "the greatest generation." And the legacy of Pearl Harbor and of the World War II generation is a story that inspires the men and women who serve in our armed forces today the war on terrorism.

To all surviving Pearl Harbor and World War II veterans, and to all of the veterans, we salute you for your service, consummate courage, willing self-sacrifice and devotion to duty.

And in paying our respects here today, we find renewed hope for our nation's future and a renewed sense of patriotism and purpose.

Robert E. Bunn of Cape Girardeau is the commander of American Legion Post 63. These are the remarks he made Tuesday at a wreath ceremony on the riverfront in observance of Pearl Harbor Day.