Obama thanks veterans, survivors of Pearl Harbor attack
President Barack Obama today remembered those who died in the attack on Pearl Harbor 75 years ago, while thanking the veterans and survivors from that day of infamy.
Obama, who plans to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at the Arizona Memorial on Dec. 27, issued a statement today in honor of the 75th anniversary of the attack that brought the United States into World War II.
“We give thanks to the veterans and survivors of Pearl Harbor who faced down fear itself, met infamy with intrepidity, freed captive peoples from fascism and whose example inspires us still. For out of the horrors of war, this Greatest Generation forged an enduring international order, became the backbone of the middle class and powered America’s prosperity. Their courage and resolve remind us of that fundamental American truth—that out of many we are one; and that when we stand together, no undertaking is too great,” the president said.
————
The text of Obama’s full statement:
“Seventy-five years ago today, a sudden and unprovoked attack turned a tranquil harbor into a sea of flames. Over 2,400 American patriots lost their lives in the attack on Pearl Harbor—military and civilian, men, women and children. Their sacrifice galvanized millions of GIs and Rosie the Riveters who answered the call to defend liberty at its moment of maximum peril. In the hours after the attack, President Roosevelt promised that ‘the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory.’ Thanks to the heroism of a generation, we did.
“Today, Michelle and I join the American people in remembering those who gave their lives at Pearl Harbor—many of them not much older than boys—and in honoring their families—spouses, siblings, sons and daughters who still carry the memories of their loved ones in their hearts. We give thanks to the veterans and survivors of Pearl Harbor who faced down fear itself, met infamy with intrepidity, freed captive peoples from fascism and whose example inspires us still. For out of the horrors of war, this Greatest Generation forged an enduring international order, became the backbone of the middle class and powered America’s prosperity. Their courage and resolve remind us of that fundamental American truth—that out of many we are one; and that when we stand together, no undertaking is too great.
“On this National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, we also reaffirm that the work of securing and strengthening our nation goes on. While we can never repay the profound debt of gratitude we owe to those who served on our behalf, we can embrace our commitment to care for and support veterans of America’s wars from every generation.
“As a testament that even the most bitter of adversaries can become the closest of allies, I look forward to visiting the USS Arizona Memorial later this month along with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. This historic visit will stand as a tribute to the power of reconciliation and to the truth that the United States and Japan—bound by an alliance unimaginable 75 years ago—will continue to work hand-in-hand for a more peaceful and secure world.”
20 responses to “Obama thanks veterans, survivors of Pearl Harbor attack”
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
no comment from the silly Trump?
“I’m a Democrat But I’ve Gotta Admit It’s Now Trump 2, Dems 0”
http://nation.foxnews.com/2016/12/07/im-democrat-ive-gotta-admit-its-now-trump-2-dems-0
While you’re waiting interesting read.
January 20, 2017 #MAGA
@ allie…
Donald J. Trump
1 hr ·
We pause today to remember the 2,403 American heroes who selflessly gave their lives at Pearl Harbor 75 years ago, on a date that will forever live in infamy. We also honor the 1,178 Americans who were wounded, and the countless others who instinctively did their duty, rushing to their posts in the midst of the chaos. Their shared sacrifice reminds us of the great costs paid by those who came before us to secure the liberties we enjoy, and inspires us to rise to meet the new challenges that stand before us today.
America’s enemies have changed over the past 75 years. But the fact remains, as President Reagan said when first proclaiming National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, ‘there can be no substitute for victory’ in the pursuit of peace. Today we are the bearers of the torch of freedom these brave Americans passed on to us.
In honor of their faithfulness, and for the sake of generations to come, we will never allow that flame to be extinguished.
Donald J. Trump
President-Elect of the United States
his advisors wrote that for him. He has never served anyone but himself.
@ allie
MSM is not serving you well.
January 20, 2017 #MAGA
You can say the same about the insincere Obama there Allie.
Obama seldom disguises his animus for our country, nor his wife. I’m sure you would agree with Michelle Robinson’s PHD thesis.
Too bad your boy O couldn’t reschedule his annual golf vacation in Hawaii to tell them in person at Pearl Harbor on the 75th anniversary, when it would be far more symbolic. If he were a real leader he’d be here right now. After all, he’s still the sitting POTUS. Goes to show you what his priorities are. All talk. He’s good at it, I’ll give him that but nothing more.
prime Minister Abe’s schedule had to be coordinated with Obama. It will be an historic meeting. So proud of Obama, a model President.
President Obama is not in Hawai’i on an “annual golf vacation”. He will be accompanying the Japanese Prime Minister on the 27th which is an important symbolism in itself as he is the first Japanese leader to visit Pearl Harbor.
I find it interesting that people complain about him coming here and snarling traffic and causing road closures, then there are other people that complain about him not being here. It’s a damned if you do and damned if you don’t world. Always complaining!
Obama lived the memories throughout his life as a child of this island. Every year it means more to Hawaii residence then those living thousands of miles away. We know what PH was about. I bet he will visit on Infamy Day years and years after he retires. He leaves the twitterer with a stable economy and a Great country.
BARF
yes! Boom city for the economy. He saved us from the horrible Bush wars and economic meltdown. He has been a model family man and his family has been a model First Family. I am so proud of him. WE all are.
PUKE.
Re:
“Obama lived the memories throughout his life as a child of this island.”
“This island”…. Jakarta is not an island.
It’s part of the country of Indonesia.
He leaves us with a stable economy, and a great country. That’s sarcasm right?
He going to watch the Army Navy football game.
Get your facts straight. Trump and Pence did participate in ceremonies. You sound like someone on CNN.
and the Obama haters march on. As they have so often espoused to everyone who didn’t vote for Trump…Get Over It!
Very emotional ceremony at Pear Harbor today. WWII was supposed to be the war that end all wars. Seems mankind hasn’t embraced the pursuit of life, liberty and happiness. Seems some in the world can only find happiness in violence and destruction.
The heroes we honored today reminds me that these young men had a lot of fear on that day…but they turned the fear into action and fought and saved lives amid all the chaos. The stories were heart breaking but at the same time you could hear the resolve in their voices. The sense of duty to their fellows in arms.
Admiral Harris was very inspirational.
“The war to end all wars” quote is for WWI, often attributed to pres. Wilson, who as bad as he was, was not as bad as Oblamalamadingdong.
are you kidding me on this pearl harbor remembrance day we reaffirm the work of strengthening and securing our nation goes on, what a liar he already gutted are military strength to the lowest its ever been and security for our nation in protecting us is a joke, he is the worst president we have ever had the last 200 years.