The bombers flew in from aircraft carriers in the Pacific. Attacking in two waves about an hour apart, the entire attack lasted about an hour and fifteen minutes.
Twenty ships and over 300 aircraft were damaged or destroyed. Over 2400 were people killed and another 1200 were wounded.
In one hour and fifteen minutes.
While bombs exploded, gunfire strafed the area, and heavy smoke permeated the air, medical staff and volunteers worked to help the wounded. Everyone helped when and how they could.
After the attack, everyone continued to help and work.
And the United States went to war.
Eighty-four Years of Lessons
Eighty-four years have passed. And the number of people who were old enough on that day to realize what had occurred, are now in their mid-nineties and older. If you’re fortunate, you can speak with them and learn from them.
Here are the lessons I’ve learned from history:
— Appeasement of evil and greed leads to destruction and death. And the destruction can occur slowly over time as easily as it can happen in 75 minutes.
— Enduring support of allies is critical for mutual protection and survival.
— Courage fueled by goodness and integrity is the only way to win against evil. Choosing evil to fight evil is a permanent decision. There’s no going back to goodness.
My prayer is that we all remember the price of true peace and security is only paid for, and sustained by, the courage to win with goodness and integrity.
What important lessons did Pearl Harbor and WWII help you learn?
An Hour and Fifteen Minutes – What important lessons did Pearl Harbor and WWII help you learn? Share on XJoni Vance is an award-winning author of fiction, essay, and poetry. She loves mystery, history, and how God reveals Himself every day.
May God reveal the mystery of His love in your life story.
Thanks for this memorial, Joni!
Thank you for reading and sharing, Barbara. I appreciate your comments.
Thanks for the reminder that history matters.
Thanks for reading and sharing, Phyllis. I love history, and its lessons are essential for me.
Prayers that our country will continue to have the courage to stand up to evil.
Thank you for reading and commenting, Cele. I also pray the same.
Thank you for reminding us.
Thanks for reading and commenting, Judy. I appreciate your support.
Joni
Great reminder!
Deb
Thanks for reading, Debbie! I appreciate you!
Great reminder, Joni!
Thank you for reading and commenting, Tim. 🙂