December 7 is a very important day in our American history. On December 7, 1941 the Japanese Empire attacked the American Military base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.The attack killed 2,403 Americans and it was the beginning of our involvement in World War II. Our president at that time, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, declared December 7 “a date which will live in infamy.” At this time he also asked Congress for a declaration of war.

This year is the 75th anniversary of Pearl Harbor. Many of the remaining Pearl Harbor survivors gathered for a memorial on the anniversary. More than 100 of the survivors traveled to Hawaii for the memorial and gathered with a few hundred other World War II veterans.This year the anniversary was even more significant than usual because, “Wednesday’s memorial was believed to be the last major gathering of survivors, many of whom are in their 90s and a few over 100, because of their age,” according to Jim Carlton of the Wall Street Journal.

As American citizens it’s very important for us to always honor December 7,1941 and those who lost their lives for our country. Pearl Harbor should continue to be remembered every year because it changed America forever. Simple things like respecting the national anthem and saying the pledge of allegiance are excellent ways to honor the many people who fought for the freedom we are lucky enough to have today. I think we all need to remember why we have our freedoms. I was taught these valuable lessons at an early age because my great uncle was unfortunately killed in World War II fighting for our freedom. The flag and its purpose mean a lot to my family like it should for everyone else in America. America is the “land of the free and the home of the brave.”