Today marks the 80th anniversary of infamous attack on America at Pearl Harbor that was carried out by Japan on December 7, 1941. To mark the solemn occasion, veterans everywhere are speaking out to reveal why they feel America needs to unite now more than ever. 

‘When We’re United As A Country, We Cannot Be Defeated’

“When we’re united as a country, we cannot be defeated,” a Vietnam-era veteran who is based in New York and a father of four told Fox News.  “That’s my takeaway. What happened after Pearl Harbor shows that when we stand together, we cannot be beat.”

“A lot of young guys enlisted during World War II to be part of the war effort. Many of them were even underage,” he added . “They wanted to help this country — to help our country. They wanted us to win. There was a feeling of unity toward a common goal. And if we don’t unite today, we will certainly fall.”

The Pearl Harbor attack on the U.S. was a surprise military strike that killed 2,403 U.S. personnel, 68 of whom were civilians. The next day, the U.S. declared war on Japan and entered World War II.

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More Veterans Speak Out On 80th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor

“The response to the attack on Pearl Harbor represents an American legacy — a legacy of courageous men and women willing to stand up and defend liberty at home and abroad,” said Army veteran Jeremiah Martin. “It’s because the Greatest Generation was willing to stand up to tyranny abroad that my family is able to live in peace and prosperity here at home today.”

“I served overseas in the Army in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Inherent Resolve,” he continued. “Today, 80 years after Pearl Harbor, I’m proud to be a part of a longstanding legacy. It’s my hope and prayer that the ‘sleeping giant’ that was awakened 80 years ago will still have the courage, will, and fortitude to pursue peace through strength for generations to come.”

Another veteran who is from Maryland has similar feelings.

“As a veteran, it is apparent to me that after 80 years, the world made real by the attack on Pearl Harbor has almost passed into history. But yet again, we look to the Pacific for challenge and opportunity,” he said, before adding with more concern, “More American military may once again set foot on those shores, rifle in hand.”

Son Of World War II Veteran Speaks Out

New York veteran Thomas Drake is the son of World War II veteran Keith Drake, who was at Iwo Jima.

“My father’s service is one of the main reasons I enlisted myself, once I was eligible,” Drake explained. “I entered the service at age 19. My father’s selfless service to his country at such a young age as well, knowing that he would possibly be sacrificing his life during a conflict, is what inspired me to serve my country and join the Navy.”

Speaking of his father, Drake said, “He was a radio man on his ship, so he was aware of everything that was happening ahead of time, and he had to relay that information to his commanding officer. He didn’t talk much [to his family later] about his service. But we still have the diary he kept — he was a bit of an amateur writer. And he kept track of all the men who came back, and all the men who didn’t. I’m proud of my father.”

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‘Greatest Generation…Fought For Democracy And Freedom’

Brian Huffling, an Air Force and Marine veteran in Georgia, had some poignant words about this anniversary.

“The 80th anniversary of Pearl Harbor is a reminder of not only the attack on the US, but also the resolve and dedication of the American people,” he said. “It was this Greatest Generation that fought for democracy and freedom — and which still inspires us today to fight for those same ideals.” 

We will never forget Pearl Harbor, nor will we ever forget the sacrifices that the Greatest Generation made for our country.

On this solemn day of remembrance, we can only hope and pray that America will one day be united again. 

To mark the 80th anniversary, Arizona has special plans this Remembrance Day to commemorate the events at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, “a date which will live in infamy”. More in the video below.

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