75 years ago -- December 7, 1941

[PT7]

Salute

Pearl Harbor Memorial3.jpg (15.62 KiB) Viewed 2160 times

Pearl Harbor Memorial1.jpg (9.85 KiB) Viewed 2160 times

[Sir Henry]

Our best generation at their best.

[DWD445]

"A date which will live in infamy".
God bless and thank you to all who were there to start USA'a beginning of WWII, and those who finished it.
My father was ready to go after P H attack, but Grandma said no at 17. By Feb. 43 he was on his way to the So. Pacific, volunteered.
Hard to find real men like that now!!
Less than 300 P H survivors left.

[CT_Shooter]

It inspired the most amazing mobilisation of courage ever known, shaped by men, women, and children alike, all pulling together with patriotism and in unity, perhaps for the last time. God bless America. May we never know another time like it.

[Deadwood Dutch]

And yes, Japan had truly "awakened a sleeping giant", http://www.history.com/news/5-facts-abo ... ss-arizona

Here is my small contribution to the USS Arizona and to the memory of all who died on that island on that day, a model of the ship:

[North Country Gal]

Was planning to brave the cold and sight in a new 1911, today, anyway, but being Dec 7 will highlight the tradition of the 1911 all the more. As with so many, my father volunteered after that day.

[Sir Henry]

My biggest collection is of WWII military rifles. Most are Enfields from Lithgow, Australia but I also have some Mausers, 91/30's, M1 Carbine, M1, and an odd assortment of rifles from other countries. My MODEL OF 1911.U.S. ARMY is from 1917 and I have two other WWI (The Great War) rifles.

[PT7]

And yes, Japan had truly "awakened a sleeping giant", http://www.history.com/news/5-facts-abo ... ss-arizona Here is my small contribution to the USS Arizona and to the memory of all who died on that island on that day, a model of the ship

Dutch, appreciate the informative History site/facts. And thanks for showing us your model of the USS Arizona.
http://henryrifleforums.com/download/fi ... d=3611&t=1

The History paragraph titled "Twenty-three sets of brothers died aboard USS Arizona" reminded me of two excellent war movies, which focused on the issue of brothers-at-risk when serving together or simultaneously in combat. One was the "Fighting Sullivans" (1944), and "Saving Private Ryan" (1998).

The 1944 movie was richly filled with the patriotism to our country, and family commitment, of that time in our history.
Although a movie, there were two very heart-rending scenes. One, of course, was when the Navy officer came to the Sullivans' house to share with them the notification letter on the loss of their five sons. The second was watching the Dad board his work train, and look up at the tower where he sons waved goodbye to him when they were kids and saw him leave for his railroad job.

The challenges in the 1998 movie (storyline) of trying to find one soldier in all those WWII combat zones was daunting. To even attempt it was astonishing. But again, it was great to see the military being proactive in trying to help out families that had lost multiple sons in the war.

I am recording "Tora-Tora-Tora" today, which is being aired on the History Channel. Will probably watch it this evening, after the day's activities are done and gone. I think it is one of the best WWII movies out there on December 7th, 1941. Grateful that we have this day of remembrance.

[RanchRoper]

A tragic but defining moment in history.

[Catherine]

Never forget.

Cate

[JEBar]

another year .... another commitment to not forget

[Sir Henry]

I'm glad you revived this thread instead of starting a new one.

We will most likely never see another generation like the WWII veterans.

[BigAl52]

I'm glad you revived this thread instead of starting a new one.

We will most likely never see another generation like the WWII veterans.

Couldnt agree more. As far as I am concerned they will go down as the greatest generation this country will ever have. Al

[Sir Henry]

I'm glad you revived this thread instead of starting a new one.

We will most likely never see another generation like the WWII veterans.

Couldnt agree more. As far as I am concerned they will go down as the greatest generation this country will ever have. Al

The greatest generation at their very best.

[Henry88]

Sorry guys, never agreed with Tom Brokaw about the greatest of generations; after all, they raised the baby boomers.

In any case, nothing wrong with this guy's generation. I knew there was a carrier named after him, but I never knew why........

http://www.nationalreview.com/article/4 ... ned-legacy

[BrokenolMarine]

Those guys volunteered, then fought to end the war. Some came home to find the family had moved on, others put the war behind them, found jobs and built their lives.

The father of a very good friend of ours, is still alive, in his 90s, sharp as a tack. Flew bomber missions over Germany.
They interviewed him a couple years ago and that video will play on in the WWII museum in New Orleans for years to come... at the touch of a button.

A second friend of ours, is also lucky. Her dad is 93. He was a Marine Staff NCO maintaining the planes for Pappy Boyington, of the Black Sheep. He is at the VA these days, receiving treatment. But oh does he have stories to tell.

Both rushed to the call after Pearl Harbor.

[Henry88]

Sorry if I came across the wrong way BolM. My point wasn't to disparage the WWII generation, it was my feeling that in light of Valley Forge, Gettysburg, and the Battle of New Orleans; it seems impossible to me to say that one group of Americans was somehow better or greater than those before.

My father served 6 years and was in Europe, but I often think about my Grandfather, born in the 1800's that raised my Dad to be the man he was.

That was also a great generation, the women and men that raised the greatest generation to have the morals and convictions that they possessed. This is the generation of Carl Vinson (born 1883).

But this was the WWII guys thread, and I should not have said what I did. My appologies again .

[daytime dave]

Henry88, thank you for two things. First, for that great link to the story about Carl Vinson. Secondly, for your well worded apology. I'm not sure one was needed, but I like the way you wrote it.

The members of this forum are terrific.