Pearl Harbor attack

Americans across the United States are holding ceremonies Tuesday to commemorate the 69th anniversary of the Japanese attack on the U.S. Naval base at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii.

On December 7, 1941, Japanese aircraft attacked the base just before 8 a.m., Hawaii time. The attack killed more than 2,400 Americans, sank five battleships and drew the United States into World War II.

At the same time as the Hawaii ceremony, the National Park Service in Washington held a wreath-laying ceremony at the World War II Memorial on the National Mall.

ALBANY – On the 69th anniversary of the day that will live in infamy, local survivors of the attack on Pearl Harbor were honored during a memorial observance at the J.E. Zaloga Post American Legion.

More than 2,400 people lost their lives in the Japanese attack, which launched the United States’ involvement in World War II.

Touching upon the American military’s continued involvement in conflicts across the globe, Breslin said the passion and fortitude that the attack survivors displayed would continue to inspire our country’s people, and those who serve on their behalf.

"Though the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor left America stung, it never diminished our resolve to fight for freedom," he said.

The three elderly men braving the bitter cold to mark the 69th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack on Tuesday clearly illustrated how time has ravaged the ranks of the survivors.

Simmons was 20 when the Japanese launched the surprise attack that plunged the U.S. into World War II. Fruchter said Pearl Harbor should remain a reminder that America needs to be vigilant about threats from abroad.

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December 7 1941: ‘From Here to Eternity’ Classic Pearl Harbor Film

December 7 1941,the day of the Pearl Harbor attack was a turning point in American history. Many movies were inspired by Pearl Harbor but one of the best films about the Pearl Harbor attack is From Here to Eternity.

The film was based on the bestselling book by James Jones.  From Here to Eternity takes place on an army base in Hawaii in 1941, just before the Pearl Harbor attack.  Movie hunk Montgomery Clift plays a bugler who refuses to fight for the company boxing team.  His refusal results in harsh treatment from his commander.

Actress Deborah Kerr plays the wife of the commander who is having an affair with a sergeant, played by Burt Lancaster.  You might not remember the name of this movie but the scene with Deborah Kerr and Burt Lancaster making out on a beach, as the surf crashes in around them, is a movie classic. The beach scene was pretty racy stuff for the early 1950’s!

From Here to Eternity also stars Frank Sinatra and Donna Reed—who both won Oscars for their roles in the film.  Ernest Borgnine is the villain, playing a stockade sergeant who makes Sinatra’s life hell.  This movie is a classic in many ways and if you haven’t seen From Here to Eternity, you need to watch it!

Photo: Amazon.com

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December 7 1941: Movies Inspired by Pearl Harbor

December 7 1941, the day of the Pearl Harbor attack, inspired many American movies. December 7 1941 and the attack on Pearl Harbor is an important day in American history and movies were made about Pearl Harbor Day to motivate the American people to be strong in the face of war.  Here are some of our favorites:

From Here to Eternity
This 1953 Oscar winner is the story of soldiers stationed in Hawaii, on the eve of Pearl Harbor. From Here to Eternity won multiple Oscars, taking home the awards for Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor (Frank Sinatra), Best Supporting Actress (Donna Reed) and five other Academy Awards.  If you’ve never seen this film, rent it today!  It’s amazing.

In Harms Way
John Wayne and Kirk Douglas starred in this 1966 Pearl Harbor inspired film. In Harm’s Way follows several Navy officers who are thrown into crisis after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.  Actress Patricia Neal, Tom Tyron and Paula Prentiss also star in this excellent but often dark flick.

Tora! Tora! Tora!
The 1970 film of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor was very cutting edge at the time it was made. The movie shows both the American and Japanese perspectives. Tora! Tora! Tora! is a classic if you are a WWII movie buff.

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Pearl Harbor Day

Celeb dad starred in the movie Pearl Harbor

Pearl Harbor Day is commemorated every year on December 7th.  The surprise Japanese attack occurred on this date in 1941.

I’m going to make a confession here and admit that until the movie Pearl Harbor came out, that was about all I could tell you about Pearl Harbor. This confession is made worse by the fact that I’m a former history teacher. But, there’s often not enough time in a school year to get to history of the 1900s.

So, the movie was a learning experience. Even though there were some liberties taken with the movie version of the events, some facts were still portrayed.

Such as:

*Because the attacks took place on a Sunday morning, many of the soldiers were sleeping.

*the USS Arizona, the USS Nevada, the USS Oklahoma, and the USS West Virginia were the four U.S. Navy battleships that were destroyed.

*The Japanese thought that they were destroying the main source of the US’s strength, but they were wrong.

*The attack on Pearl Harbor was the largest deadly attack on the US until 9/11.

So, though it might not have been completely historically accurate, the movie Pearl Harbor helps the generations that weren’t around to see it happen understand the significance of the day.

Photo: PRPhotos

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