At an event honoring veterans and their families at the White House, President Joe Biden reflected on the enduring impact of the Pearl Harbor attack, calling it a moment that “changed the future of the world.” Speaking just ahead of the 83rd anniversary of the attack, Biden emphasized the historical significance of that day and drew parallels to the decisions facing the United States today.
Recalling his childhood, Biden shared that he grew up hearing stories about Pearl Harbor and the aftermath of the attack, which prompted many to join the armed forces during World War II. “During World War II, we met at an inflection point,” he said. “We are standing at an inflection point again. The decisions we make over the next four or five years will shape the course of our future for decades to come. What we owe the next generation is to ensure a freer, safer, and fairer world.”
The attack on Pearl Harbor, which occurred on December 7, 1941, was a devastating surprise offensive by Japan on the United States naval base in Oahu, Hawaii. Early that Sunday morning, Japanese aircraft launched a barrage of bombs, torpedoes, and missiles against the U.S. Pacific Fleet stationed there. The attack left more than 2,400 Americans dead, including sailors, soldiers, and civilians. Nearly half of the casualties occurred aboard the USS Arizona, which remains one of the most poignant symbols of the tragedy.
The Japanese also caused significant damage to four additional battleships and other naval vessels. The assault was meticulously planned and executed, incorporating technological advancements and tactics that caught U.S. defenses unprepared. The Naval History and Heritage Command describes the attack as a stark reminder of the dangers of underestimating an adversary. “The inadequacy of U.S. anti-aircraft defenses at the time, combined with the Japanese mastery of surprise and technological innovation, highlighted an enduring lesson about preparedness and the risks of complacency,” the Command’s website notes.
On December 8, 1941, the day after the attack, President Franklin D. Roosevelt famously addressed a joint session of Congress, delivering his “Day of Infamy” speech. In it, he urged lawmakers to declare war on Japan. The response was swift: the Senate unanimously supported the declaration, while the House of Representatives saw one dissenting vote from Montana Representative Jeannette Rankin, a lifelong pacifist. That same evening, Roosevelt signed the formal declaration of war, marking the United States’ entry into World War II.
The attack on Pearl Harbor was not an isolated event but part of Japan’s broader strategy to establish dominance in the Asia-Pacific region. Tensions between the United States and Japan had been escalating for years, driven in large part by Japan’s aggressive territorial expansion in Asia. In response, the U.S. implemented economic sanctions, including restrictions on exports of aircraft and other critical materials to Japan. These sanctions, intended to curb Japan’s ambitions, instead heightened tensions, setting the stage for the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Japan’s goal with the assault was to cripple the U.S. Pacific Fleet and prevent interference with its plans to expand further into Asia. However, the attack had the opposite effect, galvanizing American resolve and uniting the nation in a way that few events in history have.
Today, the legacy of Pearl Harbor endures as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made that day and the resilience that followed. The USS Arizona Memorial, which spans the wreckage of the sunken battleship, stands as a powerful tribute to those who lost their lives. Without physically touching the remains of the ship, the memorial allows visitors to honor the memory of the more than 1,100 sailors and Marines who perished aboard the vessel.
This week, Ira “Ike” Schab Jr., a 104-year-old Navy veteran and one of the few remaining Pearl Harbor survivors, returned to Hawaii to participate in remembrance events. Schab, who was a Navy musician stationed at Pearl Harbor during the attack, was welcomed at Honolulu International Airport with a water cannon salute and music performed by the U.S. Pacific Fleet Band.
When asked about his memories of that fateful day, Schab shared his emotions with Hawaii News Now. “I was scared, more than anything else,” he said. Despite the fear and chaos of that day, Schab emphasized the importance of remembering the sacrifices made and honoring those who served. “They deserve to be recognized and honored,” he said, reflecting on the dwindling number of survivors from that pivotal moment in history.
As the nation commemorates the 83rd anniversary of Pearl Harbor, the lessons of that day remain as relevant as ever. The attack underscored the importance of vigilance, the dangers of underestimating an adversary, and the resilience of a nation united in the face of adversity. For President Biden, the story of Pearl Harbor serves not only as a reminder of the cost of war but also as a call to action for the challenges of the present and future.
In his remarks, Biden highlighted the responsibility of the current generation to build on the legacy of those who came before. Just as the decisions made in the wake of Pearl Harbor shaped the trajectory of the 20th century, he argued, the choices made today will determine the direction of the nation in the decades to come.
