Tommy Allison, host of KSST’s ‘Veterans Voices’ weekly radio program, reminded his Monday morning listeners of the importance of December 7 in our national’s history. He related how on Sunday morning, December 7, 1941, the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service attacked Naval Station Pearl Harbor in Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii Territory, without warning and without a declaration of war, killing 2,403 Americans, and injuring 1,178 others. The Japanese attack sank four U.S. Navy battleships and damaged four others. It also damaged three cruisers, three destroyers, and one minelayer. Aircraft losses were 188 destroyed and 159 damaged. Allison also related how some of those killed or injured were from Hopkins County and how a few lived to tell of the horror of the surprise attack. “Let us never forget these soldiers, sailors, airmen and other military personnel involved. The majority have passed away now but can be remembered and honored across our nation on National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, often referred to as Pearl Harbor Day”.
The day of remembrance was designated by the U.S. Congress in 1994. On Pearl Harbor Day, the American flag should be flown at half-staff until sunset to honor those who died. Pearl Harbor Day is not a federal holiday, and government offices, schools, and businesses do not close. Some organizations may hold special events in memory of those killed or injured at Pearl Harbor. Even though National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day in 2019 falls on a Saturday, it is a working day and most U.S. businesses will follow regular opening hours.
