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Pearl Harbor brought home the reality of war

News of the Japanese’ Dec. 7 attack on the naval station at Pearl Harbor came too late to make the Sunday newspapers.

The next day, newspapers throughout the country carried the full story. Those people who had radios had already heard about the attack the previous day. So did all but the most isolated Americans.

The thought of a surprise attack followed by a declaration of war further angered the public. In a military sense, the attack proved a complete victory for the Japanese. Meanwhile, except for a few items, Americans did not know the full extent of the disaster and would not for months to come. Patriotism became the rallying cry, and, very quickly Americans could listen to a bouncy popular song, “Remember Pearl Harbor.” It included these determined words.

“Let’s remember Pearl Harbor as we go to beat the foe

“We will always remember forever how they died for freedom

“Let’s remember Pearl Harbor as we go on to victory”

All of these news items and articles were on the front page of the paper.

Herald Democrat Dec. 8, 1941

U.S. DECLARES WAR ON THE JAP EMPIRE

No matter how long it will take us to overcome the premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through the absolute victory. (President Roosevelt in his war message to Congress)

HHH

Durango and County Patriotic and Civil Organizations Pledge full support of the United States defense effort.

HHH

Senate Unanimous in Vote for War Resolution; only one Dissenter in House Republican Jeannette Rankin of Montana was the lone dissent to a chorus of boos and hisses which greeted her vote. She also opposed the war declaration in the last war against Germany.

HHH

1,000 KILLED IN JAPANESE OFFENSIVE ON ISLAND OF OAHU

White House admits loss of one battleship, one destroyer; Navy Takes Toll of Jap plane, subs.

HHH

Governor (Ralph) Carr Puts State on Wartime Basis

HHH

Durango and County Patriotic and Civil Organizations Pledge Full Support of U.S. Defense

Patriotic and civil organizations of Durango and La Plata County pledged their most complete support of America’s effort to defend itself and drive back the Japanese invaders.

HHH

(Editorial) The Eve of War

The gage of battle has been cast. Japan has attacked Hawaii. Battle has been joined with American military outposts. American blood has been shed. War is at hand. Today finds our people aroused and alert.

HHH

Four months there has been preparations for defense; the shipment of sinews of war to Britain and the Allies abroad; the drafting of men for military training; but now comes the real thing.

HHH

Yesterday the Japanese government also launched attacks against Malaya. Last night attacks against Hong Kong. It attacked Guam, Philippines, Wake Island.

HHH

Get Red Tag Christmas Trees Cut under forest supervision Hermosa Nurseries

HHH

The news would only become worse as Durangoans and Americans neared Christmas 1941.

Duane Smith is a retired Fort Lewis College history professor. Reach him at 247-2589.



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