Tuesday, May 7, 2024
A day of remembrance was held in Granbury where community members came together to honor and remember those who lost their lives during the Japanese attack Dec. 7, 1941. This year marks the 82nd year since the pivotal moment in history.
More than 2,400 people were killed as a result of the attack which destroyed the United States naval base near Honolulu, Hawaii. The lives taken included 2,000 United States Navy, 218 Army, 109 Marines and 68 civilians. A total of 1,178 people were wounded. Hundreds of Japanese fighter planes destroyed nearly 20 American naval vessels including eight battleships and over 300 airplanes according to the History Channel. The first dive-bomber struck at 7:55 a.m. and the entire attack lasted an hour and fifteen minutes.
It was after the attack on Dec. 7 that President Franklin D. Roosevelt asked Congress to declare war on Japan.
On Aug. 3, 1994, the United States Congress designated Dec. 7 as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.
On Dec. 7, Friends of Memorial Lane hosted an event at Jim Burks Memorial to reflect on the day and unveil a new memorial for Pearl Harbor as well as a piece of the USS Arizona obtained by the City of Granbury in August. The piece is from the deckhouse superstructure of the battleship that was sunk in Pearl Harbor during the attack.
The event also featured a presentation of colors from the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR), and a visit from Senator Brian Birdwell of Texas Senate District 22. The United States flag was lowered, and “Taps” was performed by Tolar High School band member Nic Merkle.
The Tolar High School band performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” as well as “The Tears of Arizona.” The band previously had the opportunity to visit Hawaii for the 80th anniversary of the attack. Band members also hand delivered “challenge coins” to both survivors of the attack and active-duty service members.
“This meaningful dedication by the City of Granbury is sure to remind the city’s residents and visitors of the heroic contributions of valued military service members who made the ultimate sacrifice at Pearl Harbor and to evoke in every American a sense of patriotism and pride in our nation’s rich history,” part of the proclamation read.
After the event was over, attendees were able to get a firsthand look at the piece of the USS Arizona as well as the new statue. The piece of the USS Arizona will be displayed in a glass case at Granbury City Hall for community members to see.
Schools across Granbury, Lipan and Tolar ISD all told the history of the attack and informed the students on what the day means.
No matter how many years go by, the United States will never forget the significance and impact Dec. 7 had.
