December 7th is a significant day in history, marked by several notable events. Here’s a detailed exploration of what happened on December 7th throughout the years:
Pearl Harbor Day
1941: The most prominent event associated with December 7th is the attack on Pearl Harbor, a United States naval base in Hawaii. On this day, the Imperial Japanese Navy launched a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, killing 2,403 Americans and sinking or damaging 19 U.S. Navy ships, including the battleships USS Arizona and USS Oklahoma. This act of aggression brought the United States into World War II, marking a turning point in the global conflict.
National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
In recognition of the significance of the Pearl Harbor attack, the United States Congress designated December 7th as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. This day serves as a time to commemorate the lives lost and the sacrifices made during the attack. It also highlights the importance of remembering the lessons learned from the event to prevent future conflicts.
Pearl Harbor National Memorial
Located in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, the Pearl Harbor National Memorial is a historic site that honors the victims and heroes of the December 7th attack. Visitors can explore the USS Arizona Memorial, which is built over the sunken battleship USS Arizona, and learn about the events leading up to and during the attack. The memorial also includes the USS Oklahoma Memorial, the USS Utah Memorial, and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum.
Other Notable Events on December 7th
Beyond the events surrounding Pearl Harbor, December 7th has also been marked by other significant moments in history:
1787: Delaware becomes the first state to ratify the United States Constitution.
1860: Abraham Lincoln is elected as the sixteenth President of the United States.
1917: The United States declares war on the Austro-Hungarian Empire, marking its entry into World War I.
1940: The United States launches the Manhattan Project, a top-secret research and development effort to build an atomic bomb.
1990: Nelson Mandela is released from prison after 27 years, marking a significant milestone in the fight against apartheid in South Africa.
Conclusion
December 7th holds a profound historical significance, particularly due to the events surrounding Pearl Harbor. The attack on Pearl Harbor was a pivotal moment that transformed the course of World War II and had a lasting impact on the United States. In remembrance of this event, National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day is observed annually to honor the victims and heroes of the attack. Additionally, December 7th has also been marked by other notable events throughout history, reflecting its significance as a day of both remembrance and progress.