December 7, 1941

Sixty-five years ago, the Japanese raid on Pearl Harbor killed more than 2,400 Americans.

The surprise raid, which took place on the morning of December 7, 1941, led America into what would become the deadliest conflict in human history. Before the Pearl Harbor attack, World War II was being fought in Europe, Asia and Africa. America, although a strong supporter of the allies, had not yet officially joined the war.

Following the attack, the United States became a full combatant in the conflict between the Allied and Axis powers and remained so until the surrender of Japan in August of 1945.

Today, America is again in the midst of a war which was brought on by another attack on American soil -- the attacks of September 11, 2001, which killed approximately 3,000 people.

Like December 7, 1941, that was declared "the day which will live in infamy," by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, September 11 will also never be forgotten.

"Freedom is again under attack, and young Americans have stepped forward to serve in a global war on terror that will secure our liberty and determine the destiny of millions around the world," said President George W. Bush in his 2006 National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day proclamation. "Like generations before, we will answer history's call with confidence, confront threats to our way of life, and build a more peaceful world for our children and grandchildren."

(Aero-News thanks Staff Sgt. Harry Kibbe, Air Force Print News)

FMI: www.af.mil/history/15thairliftwing.asp