Takai introduces resolution tied to Pearl Harbor attack’s 75th anniversary
KRYSTLE MARCELLUS / FEB. 2014
In this file photo, U.S. Rep. Mark Takai held a press conference at the Honolulu International Airport.
U.S. Rep. Mark Takai introduced a bipartisan resolution today seeking to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor and the lasting significance of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.
Joining Takai were U.S. Reps. Sam Graves, a Republican from Missouri, and Tulsi Gabbard. Takai and Gabbard are Democrats from Hawaii. Takai said he has sent letters to the Speaker of the House asking that he accommodate members that wish to observe the anniversary in Hawaii, and to President Barack Obama asking that he attend the ceremony.
“Dec. 7th is a day that will forever live in infamy in the hearts and minds of the American people,” Takai said in a release. “Every year, we honor the thousands who made the ultimate sacrifice protecting our homeland against enemies in the Pacific Theater. We must also recognize that over the years, our nation has moved through this tragedy to build a strong alliance with Japan, based on preserving peace and stability in the region since the end of the war.”
Graves said in the release: “We lose 430 World War II veterans every day. Millions of people gave their lives fighting fascism and imperialism, but Pearl Harbor was the event that forever changed the course of human history. I am humbled to help introduce this resolution, and look forward to continuing to honor this historic milestone as we approach the 75th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor.”
“On Dec. 7, 1941, 2,403 Americans were killed and 1,178 others were wounded in the attacks on Pearl Harbor,” Gabbard said in the release. “As we commemorate the historic 75th Anniversary of the attacks and renew our commitment to peace and stability, we must never forget the very high cost of war and the debt owed to the thousands who have laid down their lives for our country throughout history.”
This December marks the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Takai noted the State of Hawaii has established the 75th Commemoration Committee, which will be planning various ceremonial events observing the anniversary.
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7 responses to “Takai introduces resolution tied to Pearl Harbor attack’s 75th anniversary”
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Are you kidding me? From aloha shirts to designating a designated monumental day in history as special???? Mark are you awake or sleeping at the wheel? Where is the value you bring the state? Nothing so far. Tusli please help this lost soul out. OMG!
After a life changing event (pancreatic cancer), you’d be surprised how people’s viewpoints change to ‘the glass half empty’.
Haaaaaa! ha!ha! ha!. Good one Dawg! I was thinking the SAME! I am still hopeful Mark will ONE DAY introduce something that will be more substantial,than wearing Aloha shirts on Fridays. Yes! Aunty Tulsi ,please help him out! Ha!ha!ha!ha!
Technically the standing president should attend on Dec. 7, 2016 which would be Obama. His official rein expires on Dec. 31, 2016.However, the new president (Trump) after winning the presidency this November should also be invited to help carry the torch.
Sounds great. Except that every local WWII commemoration turns into another glorification of the heroic Japanese-American soldiers and the suffering of the Japanese in US internment camps. Yes, these deserve attention, but what about all the other locals, including my own Hawaiian, Chinese, Filipino and Korean ancestors who also fought heroically for the US despite suffering blatant racial bias? And let’s not forget that unlike Germany, the Japanese government has never shown any true remorse for the slaughter and forced subjugation of Chinese, Koreans, Filipinos, Southeast Asians and Allied soldiers. Instead, their children learn a revisionist history that glorifies the role of Japan. It was only through the kindness and understanding of the US, conditioned by the strategic location of Japan in relation to the developing communist threats of China and Russia, that Japan was allowed to escape the degree of retribution that was exacted upon Germany. So yes, it’s important not to forget the lessons of Pearl Harbor. But let’s make sure we honor all of heroes before it is too late.
Okay, I don’t remember any Pearl Harbor event turning into a glorification of nisei soldiers.
Regarding your Hawaiian, Filipino and Korean ancestors: I’m sure they would get their due recognition if someone (you, maybe?) were to put a little effort into designing, fundraising and organizing something to honor them instead of lamenting that nobody does.
As for Japan’s degree of retribution and their escape from it… While they might not pay for everything, the only two atomic bombs ever purposely dropped on a human population (not Germany) probably account for part of it.
Mark, It is time to get rid of your Chief and Deputy Chief of Staff…they have continued to advise you poorly and not at your best. Dump the clowns!