Image description: Japanese torpedo planes attack “Battleship Row.”
Today marks the 71st anniversary of the attacks on Pearl Harbor. The Japanese attack in Hawaii launched the United States into World War II, and is known as one of the greatest military surprises in warfare history. More than 3,500 Americans were killed or wounded, devastating the Pacific fleet.
The following day, President Franklin Roosevelt addressed Congress, speaking the now famous words, marking December 7th as “a day which will live in infamy.” The United States officially entered World War II, joining allies Britain and France in the fight against Germany and their ally Japan.
On National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, we honor and pay tribute to all those who lost their lives or were wounded during the deadly attack. It is a day of remembrance to honor our military, both past and present.
Learn more about the attacks on Pearl Harbor.
Image description: An F-16 fighter jet, part of the U.S. Air Force’s Thunderbirds demonstration team, takes off during the Joint Base Lewis-McChord Air Expo, July 22.
Photo by Staff Sgt. Larry E. Reid Jr., U.S. Air Force.
November is recognized as Military Family Month. It is a time to celebrate and honor service members and their families and thank them for their sacrifice to our country. These are just a few of the many resources available to help military service members and their families:
- Deployment Guide: This interactive resource is a free tool for service members of all branches and their families to use while preparing for deployment, during deployment, and when returning home from deployment.
- Combat Stress: Operation Enduring Families provides a five-step educational and support program for veterans and their families after they return from combat. The program includes sessions on family relationships, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, communication and intimacy and anger. The sessions strive to address challenges, offer resource and garner hope.
- Child Care: While a family member is deployed, the spouse at home can feel an extra burden of child care. The Department of Defense (DoD) offers child care services for family members to help them get affordable and quality child care. The DoD currently has over 800 child care centers and oversees family programs across the country.
Find more resources for military families.
Image description: As a part of an exercise, firefighters from the 51st Civil Engineer Squadron extinguish a fire started from a simulated C-130 Hercules cargo plane crash at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea.
Photo by Staff Sgt. Craig Cisek, U.S. Air Force.
Image description: Rescue workers practice evacuating the injured with a mannequin, part of a recent 7,000 person-strong training exercise called Vibrant Response 13. Directed by the Department of Defense’s U.S. Northern Command, the exercise serves as preparation for a massive catastrophic event that has destroyed communication infrastructure like phones and internet.
Photo from the U.S. Army.
