Dec. 7, 1941, a date that will live in infamy

Dec. 7, 1941, was known as "A Date Which Will Live in Infamy" as a result of a speech given by President Franklin D. Roosevelt before Congress on Dec. 8. The day before, Dec. 7, the Japanese had launched a surprise attack on the United States Naval Base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, devastating the Navy vessels docked there. Roosevelt asked for a declaration of war, which of course was granted under the circumstances. Thus began the United States' direct involvement in World War II.

But time goes on. Generations pass, leaving few to remember the date. Sometimes few even remember the event, or the devastation it led to.

New generations arise and along with the new generations, new dates which will live in infamy. One of more recent importance is Sept. 11, 2001.

There is nothing new under the sun, though. In American history, the Battle of Lexington Green, April 18, 1775, became a day which would serve to inspire many during the Revolutionary War. The British troops were sent out of Boston to confiscate weapons in the village of Concord, leading to the famed ride of Paul Revere to the call - "One if by land, two if by sea."

There have been many of those memorable events through the years. Once the story has been heard, who can forget the Texas Revolution in 1836 with its call to "Remember the Alamo". Or the call to "Remember the Maine" in 1898 leading to the Spanish American War. Or the sinking of the Lusitania by the German Navy bringing the United States into World War I, a war that had been raging in Europe for several years.

All of those, and more, were dates and events of major importance to the generation living at the time. They are largely forgotten by those now living.

But, when the impact of each of those events on the history of this country is considered, each of those dates and events are important.

In one way or another, whether remembered or not, each day and event will continue to be "A Date Which Will Live in Infamy."