As a nation, did we forget to ‘remember’ Pearl Harbor?
Christopher Tremoglie
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When I was younger, everyone seemed to know the significance of Dec. 7. Multiple news programs would cover ceremonies of World War II veterans and survivors of the Japanese attack, especially the main ceremony held each year in Honolulu at the USS Arizona Memorial. It was a solemn day in which the entire country seemed to pay its respects to the fallen. There used to be many television programs dedicated to commemorating Pearl Harbor Day.
Yet, on Dec. 8, 2023, that appears to be different. It was a date that “would live in infamy,” but now, it seems like a mere footnote in history. It raises the question: Have we forgotten to “remember” Pearl Harbor?
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Throughout the day, there seemed to be a widespread lack of acknowledgment of the tragic events on this day 82 years ago. From the morning until night, throughout the entire day, television networks felt like they were missing something. Sure, there were news clippings of ceremonies held throughout the country. But remembering Pearl Harbor today and honoring those who died on Dec. 7, 1941, felt more like the exception instead of the rule.
It’s a sad reflection of the times, but Dec. 7 seems to have lost its significance. It’s been 82 years since the Empire of Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, but it might as well be 820 years ago, given the day’s seeming anonymity. Television programs about World War II, documentaries about Pearl Harbor, and movies about the attack used to be on throughout the day. Cable channels such as Turner Classic Movies and AMC used to air classics, such as From Here to Eternity, In Harm’s Way, Tora! Tora! Tora!, and Pearl Harbor.
And of all channels, the History Channel, the network specifically dedicated to historical events, had nothing but programs about Pearl Harbor and World War II for the entire day, or so it seemed. And now, when I tuned in before I wrote this, the History Channel was showing a marathon of Mountain Men that started at 8 p.m. The network did air programs about Pearl Harbor earlier in the day, but the last one ended at 2 p.m.
Growing up, we were always told on Dec. 7 to “Remember Pearl Harbor.” Yet, on Dec. 8, 2023, the sad reality is that we have mostly forgotten about it. Perhaps it’s just the natural course of events as generations come and go and years pass on the calendar. After all, we once vowed to “Remember the Alamo,” but now one would be lucky to find many who even know what the Alamo was. Perhaps it’s part of the country’s lack of patriotism that unfortunately seems to be the norm.
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Maybe it’s indicative of the nation’s public education system that focuses more on educating students about 73 genders and how oppressive the country is instead of significant events such as Pearl Harbor. Or, possibly, it’s just part of the country’s obsession with instant gratification and narcissistic self-absorption. Whatever the reason, it seems different this year, and it is unacceptable.
Those who perished in battle against the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service deserve remembrance. They gave their lives so that future generations could enjoy the liberties and freedom our country stands for. They fought against tyranny and evil so that today’s generation could pretend they are victims of tyranny and evil. The least we could do is continue to honor and remember their sacrifice with more than merely a date on the calendar or a few words here and there on a newscast.