National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

Yes, a dog named Blackie survived the attack. Blackie belonged to the crew of the USS West Virginia, a battleship hit hard during the bombing.

Blackie had been a loyal companion and mascot for the sailors, boosting morale during long days at sea.

When the attack began, Blackie managed to escape the ship before it sank, safely reaching the harbor’s edge.

The attack on Pearl Harbor sparked a wave of patriotic creativity in American culture.

The slogan “Remember Pearl Harbor” became a popular rallying cry, inspiring songs like Sammy Kaye’s “Remember Pearl Harbor” that climbed music charts in 1941.

Hollywood also produced films to stoke patriotism and portray the attack, including 1943’s Air Force and December 7th: The Movie. 

Yes, radar operators on Oahu detected the incoming planes an hour before the attack.

However, their warnings were ignored. The radar station at Opana Point picked up the large formation of aircraft, and operators reported it to their superiors.

The officer in charge dismissed it, assuming the radar had picked up a group of U.S. B-17 bombers expected from California. This critical misjudgment highlights the role of human error in the attack’s success.

While the day is a primarily U.S. observance, several Allied nations remember it too.

For instance, in the United Kingdom, World War II veterans hold gatherings to reflect on the global impact of the attack. In Japan, some organizations use the day to promote peace and reconciliation.

Yes, some Japanese pilots later expressed remorse. For example, Mitsuo Fuchida, who led the first wave of the attack, reportedly felt guilt in his later years.

After the war, Fuchida converted to Christianity and became a missionary, speaking about his experiences. 

Yes, 68 civilians, including women and children, died in the attack. One notable story is that of Harriet Rugg, a Navy nurse stationed in Hawaii. She suffered injuries while aiding wounded sailors.

Civilian deaths were often caused by anti-aircraft shells that exploded upon landing, killing bystanders in Honolulu and other nearby areas.

These stories remind us that the attack affected not only military personnel but also everyday people.

Yes, both disasters resulted in significant changes to protocols. After the Titanic sank in 1912, global maritime laws were updated to require enough lifeboats for all passengers and mandatory lifeboat drills.

Similarly, the attack on Pearl Harbor led to major changes in U.S. military readiness, including the establishment of a 24/7 radar network and restructuring naval strategies to prioritize aircraft carriers over battleships. 

Yes, several ships were salvaged and returned to service. The USS West Virginia, sunk during the attack, was raised, repaired, and rejoined the Pacific Fleet in 1944.

Similarly, the USS California and USS Nevada were also restored and fought in key battles later in the war. 

The attack led to widespread prejudice against Japanese Americans. Within months, over 120,000 were forcibly relocated to internment camps under Executive Order 9066.

Families lost homes, businesses, and belongings. Many Japanese Americans still volunteered for military service, with the 442nd Infantry Regiment becoming one of the most decorated units in U.S. history.

Decades later, the U.S. government apologized and offered reparations for these injustices.

Yes, pilot Kazuo Sakamaki crash-landed his midget submarine on Oahu during the attack.

He survived and became the first Japanese prisoner of war held by the United States.

Initially, Sakamaki requested to die rather than be captured, as the surrender was seen as dishonorable. His submarine was later recovered and displayed in war bond drives to boost American morale.