1941年12月7日
“I want the younger generation to know about the sacrifice that was made for the liberties that we enjoy today. Kids have never experienced the loss of liberty, what it means to sacrifice blood for freedom, and that freedom is not free.” – James Dobson, Ph.D.
Eighty years ago today, one of the most horrific events in U.S. and world history occurred. On this day in 1941, the Empire of Japan attacked Pearl Harbor in Hawaii and killed 2,403 American soldiers, sailors, and airmen. Another 1,178 people were injured in the battle. Two U.S. Navy battleships (the USS Arizona and the USS Utah) were permanently sunk, and 188 aircraft were destroyed.
Pearl Harbor marked the moment the U.S. officially entered World War II. After the attack, Japanese Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto reportedly said, “I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with a terrible resolve.” His words were prophetic, as the American forces were instrumental in overcoming the tyrannical Axis nations of Japan, Germany, and Italy.
As we commemorate what occurred tragically on December 7, 1941, the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute encourages you to remember the sacrifice of so many of our military personnel. We don’t have many World War II veterans who are still living, but if you know any of these brave men and women, please thank them for their incredible acts of service and valor.
Perhaps you might have the opportunity to attend one of the remembrance events held at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. It will be a special commemoration. Today is also a chance for all of us to pray that our nation would be unified once again for freedom like we were after the Pearl Harbor attack.
Finally, teach your children about the events at Pearl Harbor. Tell them about the reality of war, death, and pain, and the importance of standing for what is right in the face of attacks against our values. The cost we must pay for freedom is high. Teach your kids that Jesus understands what it means to sacrifice His life so others may live. He died so that we might have eternal life. Make sure your family knows this truth!
