70 Years Ago Today: The Date That Lives In Infamy

by Bellerophon on Dec 7, 2011 4:00 AM PST in News

It's been a hectic 10 days here at BN. Ever since Rick Neuheisel was let go, it's been a whirlwind of coaching search rumors, analysis, and profound shock at the depth of stupidity Chianti Dan is able to draw upon.

But, we should take some time to step back and reflect on the importance of today. 70 years ago today, on December 7, 1941, a date which will always live in infamy in the collective soul of our great Republic. It was 70 years ago today that over 2,400 Americans lost their lives in the surprise attack by the Empire of Japan at Pearl Harbor.

On this date, 70 years ago, our nation was challenged by a militaristic empire, set on expansion, allied with extremists who extinguished not just freedom across Europe, but set out to extinguish entire peoples. On December 8, 1941, our nation answered that challenge, and through a long, difficult, bloody struggle, our Republic helped secure a better world. But, it all began, for our Republic, on that dark December day, where 2,400 Americans lost their lives in a sudden surprise attack on our nation.

So, while we will not let up on Chianti Dan today or any other day in the future until he is removed from his position and the future of UCLA athletics is secure, before we get back to that today, let's take a moment to remember those who lost their lives in the service of our nation on that grim, dark December day.

GOD BLESS AMERICA

GO BRUINS

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Good Post

I remember listening to the stories my parents and grandparents told about that day.

Los Angeles Rams and the UCLA Bruins!!!!!

by Minnesota Bruinfan on Dec 7, 2011 4:30 AM PST reply actions

USA USA USA

Freedom isn’t free,
God bless America,
Never forget June 6, July 1-3, July 4, Jul. 17, Aug. 2, Sept.11, Dec.7, Dec. 18
Support our troops.

by c bruin 84 on Dec 7, 2011 6:32 AM PST reply actions

It is a sad sad day...

Today is the last ever meeting of the Pearl Harbor Survivors… they are in their late 80s/early 90s, they are getting too old to travel and dying off rapidly.

So if you have the time, watch the Pearl Harbor ceremonies today… it will be the last time the survivors will be there.

by beanandcheeseburrito on Dec 7, 2011 8:00 AM PST reply actions

Found an interesting article

when I linked through the SBNation scroll to an Oregon site. This article is all about kids from Willamette College in Salem, Oregon who were in Hawaii for a football game. Definitely worth a read.

Roses are red, violets are blue...f*** $C.

by KSBruin on Dec 7, 2011 8:33 AM PST reply actions

Planned trip to Arizona Memorial

A few years ago my wife and I were in Honolulu on vacation and planned to go on the Arizona Memorial tour. We had to wait in a building near the launch site for the next tour for about 30 minutes. I walked around inside the building as it had photos, mini-exhibits of damaged ships, and stories of service people who were killed, and some who survived to tell their stories. This exhibition was so moving for me personally I went to my wife, and told her I was unable to to on the actual tour. I was in tears and even recalling it now is a very emotional moment. It was powerful, and let us all hope that those sacrifices are not in vain in the future…..

Mensgym

by Mensgym on Dec 7, 2011 8:52 AM PST reply actions

It is an awsome experience..

I took my wife and son to the Arizona Memorial in 2002 and was — almost literally — overcome with emotion. (As were the others on that particular visit.)

An interesting fact was that the U.S.S. Missouri was achored within site of the Arizona’s resting place. I pointed out to my wife and son that, arguably, the Second World War started for the United States on the battleship over which we were standing..

..and ended on the decks of the battleship moored within our sight.

An incredible metaphoric arc and one of the braver episodes iin this country’s history.

By the way, when the Japanese delegation boarded the Missouri to sign the instrument of surrender, there was no ceremony nor circumstance accorded to them. The Japanese flag was not displayed nor were there any fanfares.

However, after they signed the surrender document, they were accorded all the honors and recognition of a foreign country. The thought was, by their acquiescence to the unconditional surrender that they had rejoined the nations of the world.

From such treachery the years before, they came to be firm and fast allies, Tom Clancy’s Debt of Honor notwithstanding.

Finally, may we give our hearts and thanks to the brave men assembled there for possibly the last time and to their fallen comrades and to all of those who have given their lives to preserve this country in all wars.

by War Planner on Dec 7, 2011 9:21 AM PST up reply actions

Thanks for posting this

My grandmother used to tell me about the day they heard about it on the radio. Everyone was crying and she couldn’t understand what was going on (she was a little girl.) It is so important that we all remember our country’s history.

by Trulybruin on Dec 7, 2011 9:26 AM PST reply actions