Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III delivers the keynote address during the 2021 Reagan National Defense Forum at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, Calif., Dec. 4, 2021. (DoD photo by Chad J. McNeeley)

By  Gary  Raynaldo    DIPLOMATIC  TIMES

WASHINGTON  –  PENTAGON  –  Tuesday December 7 marks the 80th anniversary of the infamous Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in which 2,403   American service members and civilians were killed. Pearl Harbor is a U.S. naval base near Honolulu, Hawaii.   U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin paid honor to those who died in the attack.  

“Today we recognize the 80th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, and in so doing we remember the valor exhibited that day by so many American service members and civilians.  We also honor the sacrifice of those who did not survive the attack, who died in defense of their country. The ranks of Pearl Harbor survivors grow thinner with each passing year.  But the memory of their heroism — and our gratitude — still shine bright.  They were among the first of the Greatest Generation to taste combat, to know war.  And they answered that call to duty with exceptional skill and fortitude.  We still stand on their broad shoulders.”

-U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin 

The battleship USS Nevada is on fire during the attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, Dec. 7, 1941.  (Photo By:  U.S. Navy)

Just before 8 a.m. on that Sunday morning, hundreds of Japanese fighter planes descended on the base, where they managed to destroy or damage nearly 20 American naval vessels, including eight battleships, and over 300 airplanes.

The defense secretary stressed that now together with its allies and partners, America remains committed to defending “the free and open Indo-Pacific that these heroes built.”   He said:  “Old enemies are now the closest of friends.  Old Soldiers and Sailors are now the best of teachers and sterling examples.  And old battlefields — like Pearl Harbor — now inspire us to preserve the peace and stability for which so many sacrificed. We remember today, to be sure, and we are humbled.  But we also look forward, and we are grateful.”

The battleship USS West Virginia is on fire during the attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, Dec. 7, 1941. (Photo By: U.S. Navy)

On Aug. 23, 1994, the United States Congress designated Dec. 7 as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.