"History is who we are and why we are the way we are."
– David McCullough
On December 7, 1941, a quiet Sunday morning in Hawaii was shattered by the roar of aircraft engines and the sound of bombs exploding across Pearl Harbor. It was, as President Franklin D. Roosevelt said, “a date which will live in infamy,” but it is also a date that reminds us of the power of history to guide, inform, and unite us.
As history teacher, I never approached the teaching of the past as a simple retelling of events or recitation of dates. Far too many students have suffered through a class where the teacher taught them history as "one darn thing after another" instead of the dynamic story that it is. And history is a story—a story about people, their choices, and the enduring consequences of those choices. When we look back on Pearl Harbor, we are not merely remembering an event that occurred on December 7th, 1941; we are stepping into an important chapter of America's shared journey.
The Importance of Knowing History
It's been said that history is to a nation what memory is to an individual. Without it, we lose our sense of identity and purpose. In studying history, we find the lessons that help us better understand who we are and who we aspire to be.
The story of Pearl Harbor is one of profound tragedy; but it is also a story of extraordinary courage, demonstrated by countless people that day like Doris “Dorie” Miller, a mess attendant aboard the USS West Virginia. Miller displayed extraordinary heroism during the attack when, amid the chaos, he carried wounded sailors to safety, including his ship’s captain, and then manned an anti-aircraft machine gun—despite having no formal training—to defend the ship, successfully shooting down several Japanese planes. His courageous actions earned him the Navy Cross, making him the first Black sailor to receive the honor, and inspired a nation while highlighting the vital contributions of African Americans in the military.
Stories such Miller's reveal the remarkable resilience of a people who, during and following the attack, were determined to rise again, stronger and more united than ever.
Lessons from Pearl Harbor
The lessons of Pearl Harbor are many, but chief among them is the understanding that peace and freedom are never guaranteed. They must be preserved through vigilance and care. The surprise attack taught Americans—and the world—a lesson in the dangers of complacency. It also galvanized a generation to action, reminding us that nations, as well as individuals, are shaped in moments of great trial.
Furthermore, we are reminded of the power of resolve. After Pearl Harbor, a nation shaken by loss found strength in unity. Across the country, Americans set aside differences to work toward a common cause. That spirit of determination, of pulling together in difficult times, is a lesson worth carrying forward.
Why History Matters
When we "Remember Peal Harbor!" as the rally cry rang forth across the nation, we are not simply honoring the sacrifices of the past. We are also seeking to understand what those sacrifices mean for us today. History, when properly studied, is not a dry ledger of names and dates; it is a living thing. It breathes life into our understanding of the present and lights the way toward the future.
Great moments of history call on us to ask questions: What does this mean? What does it teach us? What can we learn about ourselves? These are the questions that give history its enduring relevance.
A Call to Remember
On this Pearl Harbor Day, let us take a moment to reflect on what it has taught us about resilience, vigilance, and unity. The past is a guide, a teacher, and, at its best, a source of inspiration.
History calls on us to remember the individuals who lived through its great trials. We think of the sailors aboard the USS Arizona, all those who risked their lives to save others, and the families who endured unimaginable loss. Their stories, their courage, are threads in the great tapestry of our shared history.
Moving Forward Together with Purpose
Let us not forget that the lessons of Pearl Harbor—and all of history—are not confined to the past. They are here, with us, to remind us of our responsibilities: to learn, to remember, and to act. As Roosevelt himself said during the darkest days of World War II, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” History teaches us that courage and unity can overcome even the greatest challenges.
Today, as we pause to honor Pearl Harbor, let us carry its lessons forward. Let us strive to be vigilant stewards of peace and freedom, grateful inheritors of the sacrifices made before us.
For history is not merely about the past. It is about us, here and now, and the future we hope to build.
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