After serving as Color Guard for the Kimberling City Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 7, members of Veterans of the Ozarks gathered at the American Legion Hall in Kimberling City for a remembrance ceremony of the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Community members filled the room, taking time out from several area holiday events to join VOTO in commemorating what President Franklin D. Roosevelt referred to as the “date that would live in infamy” and pledging to ensure that Americans killed that day and in World War II did not die in vain.
Following presentation of the colors and the invocation, VOTO President “Mac” McAllister introduced state and local officials present and stated this year’s theme, “Forging Ahead,” as a challenge to remember the sacrifices made by the Greatest Generation in response to the event 83 years ago.
That Sunday morning, sailors stationed at Pearl Harbor were preparing for morning chow and local families were discussing plans for worship services and family outings when the first wave of 200 Japanese warplanes filled the sky, followed by a second wave of 170. A third wave was avoided due to the enemy commander’s inability to determine the status of U.S. aircraft carriers, thus allowing a remnant to begin rebuilding the U.S. fleet. Following major damage to 19 ships, only three were a total loss: the USS Oklahoma, USS Utah, and the USS Arizona, now commemorated by a memorial built over the spot where it sank.
McAllister referred to the remark made by a Japanese admiral, “I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant,” in describing the immediate response of patriotic Americans. Not only did they enlist in the military, but they also responded on the home front, where citizens endured shortages and inconveniences as factories were retooled to manufacture rifle clips instead of upholstery supplies; aircraft instead of cars; and more. Women entered jobs formerly held mostly by men, helping keep those factories producing while also ingeniously coping with shortages of household items and growing gardens.
McAllister reminded those present that the “hard work of peace” described in 1945 at the war’s end still continues, as we “forge ahead” preserving the commitment to hope for which the Greatest Generation fought. He challenged those present to stand firm against those who attempt to rewrite history; suggesting that attendees ask young people in their lives how much they know about Pearl Harbor and World War II. “Don’t be shocked if it is very little,” he said, “but rather, create opportunities for conversation.”
The ceremony closed with a bell tolling for those killed and wounded from each service branch and for civilians, followed by a rifle salute and the playing of Taps.
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