Many died to defend America against our enemies and to defeat the enemies of all humanity. They fought, they bled, they sacrificed, and they triumphed. In the weeks and months that took place after the surprise attack-and that was a vicious surprise attack-millions of American patriots, like these men, answered the same call and went to war. Philadelphia, PA, resident Alexander Horanzy. Alex served throughout the war, but if you tried to call him a hero, he'd tell you he was just a "regular grunt in the service." That's what he told us-a "regular grunt." I don't think so. And you fought hard.Īlexander Horanzy enlisted in the Army when he was only 17. George Blake stood watch on the Hawaiian shores, ready to repulse a feared invasion.
They were very successful at the return fire. And he really gave it to them pretty good. Nice seeing you, Robert-served on the USS Curtiss that delivered return fire against the enemy. And we're supplying it in very big numbers. The best equipment in the world-we make it. Our budget is now going to be higher than ever before. You know what happened over the last quite long period of time, but not with us. In thinking about the lessons of Pearl Harbor, Larry said he hopes "we can build up the military again." We are building up the military beyond what you ever thought. Lawrence Parry carried ammunition to the gunners.
Jack Holder survived the enemy's attack on Ford Island and went on to fly dozens of missions in the Battles of Midway and all along the Solomon Islands. You saw something that few people have ever witnessed before, right? That's pretty, pretty great, huh? And you did a hell of a job. When bombs began to fall, Mickey reported to his battle station in the crow's nest of the USS Pennsylvania wearing his football uniform and his football helmet, which he threw off because he figured he didn't need it. Boy, that's-I'm not playing him in football. That's pretty-can you do that one more time for me? I'm ready to go, in case we play that game. San Leandro, CA, resident Michael Ganitch. Where's Mickey? You never got that game, right? You never got that. On that bright Sunday morning, Mickey Ganitch and his shipmates were getting ready to play a game of football against the crew of the USS Arizona for the fleet championship. These six great American patriots answered the call of history: Mickey Ganitch, Jack Holder, Lawrence Parry, Robert Fernandez, George Blake, and Alexander Horanzy. Outnumbered and outgunned, they did not hesitate.
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Once we got our act together, we did okay, because we know how to win. That's really true, when you think-you're the first ones to fight back.
These veterans are World War II and-very special men-are among the very first Americans to fight back in the Second World War. All American hearts are filled with gratitude for their service, their sacrifice, and their presence here today. They're heroes, and they're living witnesses to American history. And you'll be here for the next 7 years with me, okay? These folks know about it more than anybody.Īs we remember that fateful day, it's an incredible honor to be joined here with surviving veterans of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Battleships, cruisers, destroyers, and aircraft carriers in our Pacific fleet at Pearl Harbor suffered crippling losses. On this day, 76 years ago, more than 2,000 Americans were killed in a surprise attack on our homeland hundreds more were injured. Remarks on Signing a Proclamation on National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, 2017