THE JAG FILE
“WE WILL NEVER FORGET”
Throughout history, tragic events are followed by promises to never forget the victims. Presidential proclamations, songs, movies, posters, and anniversary celebrations all help us to keep those who died alive in our nation’s collective memory. For example, our generation has even designated September 11 as “Patriots Day” to remind us of the victims who died in the Two Towers attack of 2001, as well as the first responders who gave their all to find survivors.
But before September 11, 2001, “We will never forget” applied to one horrific morning in 1941, when a Japanese attack on a US base in the Pacific killed more than 2,300 Americans, sank or beached twelve US Navy ship, and destroyed at least 188 aircraft.
On its own, the loss and extent of damage at Pearl Harbor would have
