| Subject: Re: Pearl Harbor Day |
Author:
Anonymous
|
[
Next Thread |
Previous Thread |
Next Message |
Previous Message
]
Date Posted: 19:18:30 12/08/11 Thu
In reply to:
Brad EHS 66
's message, "Pearl Harbor Day" on 17:35:43 12/07/11 Wed
Jonathan... you are correct that there is a film of the speech, in fact I saw it on the History Channel recently. The radio version is of extreme importance in understanding how our parents and grandparents received this news.
There was no television, radio being the primary way of reaching the masses. Roosevelt was a familiar voice on their radio, having delivered his "Fireside Chats" for years.
Now days we have instant communications, and events like Pearl Harbor, like 9-11, reach us from multiple directions.
Shut off all the outside stimulation, close your eyes, and listen as they did, to one of the most important speeches in US history.
Roosevelt was informed of the attack while it was going on, and within hours his cabinet officials were meeting with him. He then met with Congressional leaders, giving them only brief details, and asking for a joint session at noon the next day. He bucked his advisors, who wanted a long and detailed speech, and instead delivered a riveting six and a half minute presentation. An hour later he had a nearly unanimous vote to declare war.
Kathleen... My wife and I visted Pearl Harbor in 2004 for our 30th anniversary. Yes, oil still rises from the Arizona. The memorial, built over the wreck, is truly a "must do" if you visit Oahu. It is solemn and awe-inspiring.
Nearby, guarding Arizona, is the Battleship USS Missouri, now a floating museum. I was filled with emotion as I walked the deck of that mighty ship, which was built at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, and stood at the exact spot where the Japanese signed the surrender in Tokyo Bay.
My dad was part of the design team that drew the plans, and supervised the construction, of the Missouri.
[
Next Thread |
Previous Thread |
Next Message |
Previous Message
]
| |
Feedback: 