Next Wednesday marks the 70th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor and the entrance of the United States into World War II. Just recently, historian Craig Shirley in his new book, December 1941, noted that President Franklin Roosevelt and his war cabinet had considered declaring war against Japan, Germany and Italy on the night of December 7th. In his speech to Congress the next day, he only targeted Japan. Watch FDR's speech below...
Patriots Point will be hosting a commemorative ceremony held by Mount Pleasant VFW Post 10624. The program will begin at 11 am on Hangar Bay III of the USS Yorktown (CV-10) with participation from the South Carolina Pearl Harbor Survivors Association. This year’s guest speaker will be Rear Admiral Bob Besal, United States Navy (Retired). Visitors may attend the Pearl Harbor program for free, parking is $5.Immediately after the Pearl Harbor ceremony at 12 pm, the Patriots Point Education Department will be launching an exciting, new educational history series, “Ordinary People Doing Extraordinary Things,” commemorating the 70th anniversary of World War II. This program will last approximately 30 minutes following the Pearl Harbor Memorial service in Hangar Bay III. The program will be held in the ship’s theater and is entitled “Pearl Harbor…A Date that will live in Infamy!” This special program, the only one of its kind, will bring together two generations FACE TO FACE: those who were children on the date of the attack on Pearl Harbor with those who were children during the terrorist attacks against America on 9/11.
Local public and private school groups have been invited to this event. For more information, contact Director of Education Keith Grybowski at (843) 881-5935.
