On the recordDecember 7, 2011
70 years ago today the attack on Pearl Harbor changed our country forever. It also hardened our resolve to become a better, stronger nation, and that we have become. An example is the USS Nevada, a great battleship that epitomizes the resiliency of our country. While in the port of Oahu on December 7, 1941, the battleship Nevada was hit by many bombs and a torpedo. Sixty American sailors died. Less than a year later, that great battleship returned to service and served valiantly for our country during World War II. Today we honor the living Pearl Harbor veterans for their courage and sacrifice. Here in the Senate we refer to our Medal of Honor winner Dan Inouye, and Senator Akaka, and Frank Lautenberg. All three served in World War II. We also remember the nearly 2,400 Americans who lost their lives that day and the hundreds of thousands more who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War II. These servicemembers are heroes. They set a fine example for the men and women who protect our freedoms today, and none of us will ever forget their courage. ____________________
