Most of you are too young to remember Pearl Harbor, but what does it mean to you now?

Question

I was seven months old when Pearl Harbor was attacked. My earliest memories are of World War II, but I was too little to understand much about it.

I believe our response to the attack was the right one, and am proud of the U.S. role in World War II, but I don't hate the Japanese or Germans. In fact, I love the wonderful Japanese people and I am of German descent.

I remember going to the store with my mom or aunt and them not being able to get coffee because there was none available, and the storekeeper saying "you know there's a war on." But I didn't really know what that meant.

I should mention that I am a veteran. A retired Air Force officer with a grand total of 31 years combined active and reserve service. I served in Vietnam in 1970-71. I support our military services, all branches, and am proud of my service and those who served with me.

Answer 1

I am too young, but it's one of those things I don't joke about. Hollywood gave us a few movies about it, but as an educated person, I know that it can't compare to being there and losing friends or family.

I don't think about it as more tragic than other wars/battles, because I have never been in one. I gained respect for the soldiers who fought and are fighting for our country when I was a kid in high school. We had a veteran speak, and kids were talking and being kids. The vet was furious and was yelling at the kids to shut up. Some laughed it off as him being a nasty old fart, but I could tell that he was angry for a reason, and the reason was us kids did not appreciate what he and his friends did for us. That's what started me thinking about the friends I had, and how I would feel if I had to hold them in my lap as they died painfully.

The father of one of my good friends passed a few years ago. He was in Nam doing tunnel rat duty. He was not allowed to watch Platoon, Full Metal Jacket, etc, because it messed with his head. Our boys got messed up really bad.

So when I think about Pearl Harbor, I just whisper, "Thank you" into thin air in case anyone is listening, and I raise my kids to support our troops today no matter what is happening with the politics.

Answer 2

As far as Pearl Harbor was concerned, I was born 24 years and three weeks after it happened. But I do remember all of the school sessions about it and the indepth discussions about it.

With that said, I think after Pearl Harbor was attacked the United States was justified in its defense. They did what was necessary to protect the United States. Those men and women that served deserves all the honors that this country can bestow on them. I don't hold the Japanese nor the Germans responsible no more than I hold Arab people accountable for what happened with the bombing of the USS Cole and 9/11.

Let's be realistic here, there are those in every race/religion/walk of life that are not all there. For example I feel that some folks are so defiant in their beliefs (especially those who don't know what the word "compromise" is) are...well..cracked. But that doesn't mean that we have a license to hold all those that are that way accountable for a few's actions.

However, looking back on the last 65 years of this country's interaction with other countries, World War II also did something to the American political system. It turned its foreign policy structure into an uneven poltical nightmare with different presidents bringing in different ideologies instead of one solid steadfast doctrine that should consist of treating ALL COUNTRIES the same no matter their position on issues.

I feel that the attack on Pearl Harbor also fostered in the belief
of going into Vietnam (even though we shouldn't have and now need to honor those soldiers better than we do)because those in power at that time feared another Pearl Harbor style attack. They didn't want to see it happen again.

This reasoning is the reason that many countries (some our allies) see the United States as arrogant and intrusive or in laymen's terms, meddlesome. Our government only sees the picture a certain way. There is no room for the opinions of others which is the reason we're in a mess now.

So Pearl Harbor was a turning point for not only the United States to enter the war, but also changing American politics forever. It made the United States government (well those politicians in power) more of a kneejerk reactionary than a cautious one.

Answer 3

I think the same thing about all the past wars. That the incredible loss of life was a shame, and sometimes I think about the soldiers and what they must have gone through, and what their families must have gone through.

I also don't hate the people we fought. I may get upset with governments, but I don't believe in holding it against the citizens. I like lots of different culture. The world would be so boring if we were all the same.

And to everyone with words of support for troops, Thank you so much. My husband is in Iraq, and I have actually gotten dirty looks before when someone asks what my husband does or asks where my husband is. It has been a really tough time and It was really nice to be reminded that there are still people who respect the sacrifices made by military men and their families, and that I'm not alone. Thank You.

Answer 4

I am not a American, but I think what the US did during times of WW2 were right. The Japanese were crazy at the time. They have commited horrendous crimes, so horrendous that no one wants to publish them in books. Its often known as the forgotten holocaust. I live in Thailand by the way.

Most of the time, I have sensed that the lines of communication between Japan and countries like China and Korea, where the attrocities took place; are not too clear. Talking about those attrocities are a tabboo subject. There is always a sence of hostility between them.

Not too long ago, the Chinese government was furious over some Japanese publications of some school textbooks that glorify Japan's military past. So, that's really some proof that the lines of communication regarding that subject are not clear. People are too scared to talk about them.

Germany, despite its dark past is a respected country. But Japan is a bit on the edgy side. Those 2 atomic bombs only partly served justice, but not fully, and justice will be served fully only when Japan fully confirms its war crimes and persuade its neighbours to forgive them.

God bless all mankind.

Answer 5

I'm 30 years old.
I saw a PBS or Discover Documentary a few years ago on Pearl Harbor...but more specifically on how asian americans were treated afterwards.

Basically the USA did the same thing that they were trying to stop... putting all asian americans into concentration camps meanwhile taking away all their belongings and properties, etc.
Even afterwards, the japanese american men were allowed to fight for the USA against Japan/Germany and was one of the most decorated flight squadrons in the country. But they still don't get the recognition like african american groups do. (I recall a few years ago at the Superbowl, they recognized the blacks... but not the japanese)

I still get angry at Japan (the government) has not officially apologized for what they did... they still change the facts in their history books.... they still own many stolen treasures from neighboring countries...
Pearl Harbor was horrible... but imagine what Korea, China, and other countries went through on a daily basis.

But in the end... the USA put an entire color of people in concentration camps... only difference is they didn't exterminate them like the Germans did... I think it shows that we all have the potential for evil...we all have seeds of evil in our hearts... except thankfully the American seeds weren't as watered as the Japanese or Germans back then.

Answer 6

I was not even a thought when this happened but being stationed at pearl harbor naval base and seeing the memorials on a daily basis, you got to think that this day was a very sad day for america, it put us into a war that believe or not lot of americans like now didnt want to be in, so is Iraq in the same category, maybe. This tragedy struck a cord in all americans and made them proud to defend their country and honor their presidents decisions. Sounds familiar doesnt it from what is going on today but now we are the total opposite, we dont support the war and definitely are thinking our current president doesnt know what he is doing. As i said i live in Hawaii now, i see the memorial every day and i think of lives that were taken that day and think to myself that its the ultimate sacrifices that men and women make to keep our country free.

Answer 7

Warren

I am 53 but I remember my father and grandfather peaking about the attack. Both of them were career Naval officers and served in WWII.

I later served as an Army officer.....my father said that was OK!

To me it means many things but the top 2 are...

1. The need for a strong & vigilant military
2. That the aftermath demonstrated what the citizens of a free and democratic republic can accomplish when they set aside their petty differences and work together.

Answer 8

I was not born yet but l had 4 uncles in service back then. We where staying out of war in europe, till the japanese attacked us. What does it mean to me? We have are freedom, we have saved other nations there's. We have to draw the line somewhere's but when it come's to are freedom and someone else's we should exercise our power to stop any wrong doing's in this world. I pray everyday for our serviceman or should say our service personal for there safe return or safety everywhere, it's not easy I have my son over in Iraq. And there is nothing wrong with people of other nation's just there leader's

Answer 9

I'm a baby boomer and wasn't alive.

However I always remember my mom calling her brother and my uncle on December 7th years later to talk about Pearl Harbor.

He was stationed at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii when the attack on Pearl Harbor happened and actually distinguished himself that day which will live in infamy.

Answer 10

thank you to those who defend and defended our great nation we all are proud of .i'm 47 having no regrets about decisions done and past that millatary minds had choosen making our people safe .
I'm confident if given another choice like modern weapons than what was done the lessor would have been used .
As now embargo is a good weapon and hope this view is widely looked upon as most peaceful solution for generations to come .