The attack on Pearl Harbor lead to a declaration of war by President Franklin Roosevelt that was chilling for all Americans to hear in 1941. On Friday, the 71st anniversary of the attack, work begins on a new memorial in downtown Phoenix.
The assault on the naval base in Hawaii left almost 2,400 American service members dead and drew the U.S. into World War II.
More than 2,000 people gathered at Pearl Harbor to take part in a moment of silence at 7:55 a.m. Hawaiian time, marking the moment the bombing began.
Japanese fighters bombed and sank twelve naval vessels, heavily damaged nine others and destroyed more than 180 aircrafts.
President Franklin Roosevelt delivered his "fireside chat" two days later.
"The congress and the people of the United States have accepted that challenge, we are goIng to win this war and we are going to win the peace that follows," said President Roosevelt.
The two hour raid destroyed and damaged about 21 ships, including the USS Arizona. It sank in less than nine minutes after a bomb breached its deck and exploded.
There is a memorial for the USS Arizona in Pearl Harbor where people gather every year at this time.
1,177 sailors and marines were killed aboard that ship alone; Only about 340 of its crew survived.
There is an anchor memorial at the State Capitol in Phoenix, but on Friday, groundbreaking will begin on a new one.
At noon, Arizona Secretary of State Ken Bennett and the "Salute the Fallen Committee" will officially break ground.
The memorial will include gun barrels from the USS Arizona. between the barrels, a steel structure in the shape of the USS Arizona's hull will display the names of Arizona's servicemen and women who died during WWII.
There is a one mile Pearl Harbor Day Walk from Phoenix City Hall to the Arizona State Capitol at 10 a.m.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 1:15 PM EDT2013-05-21 17:15:24 GMT
An NYPD detective is accused of hacking into department computers and obtaining information about dozens of people including co-workers. Edwin Vargas was arrested Tuesday outside his home in Bronxville.
An NYPD detective is accused of hacking into department computers and obtaining information about dozens of people including co-workers.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 12:39 PM EDT2013-05-21 16:39:13 GMT
The MTA says limited service will resume this afternoon on Metro-North and Amtrak trains between New York and New Haven.
The MTA says limited service will resume this afternoon on Metro-North and Amtrak trains between New York and New Haven. Beginning with the 3:07 p.m. departure from Grand Central Terminal, Metro-North will operate about half of the regular eastbound PM peak service and regular hourly westbound service with the 4:23 PM train from New Haven. Repair work on tracks that were damaged in last week's train collision has progressed quickly, says the MTA.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 7:33 AM EDT2013-05-21 11:33:20 GMT
A New Jersey priest who resigned after admitting he worked unsupervised with kids despite a legal agreement that barred him from doing so is headed to court.
A New Jersey priest who resigned after admitting he worked unsupervised with kids despite a legal agreement that barred him from doing so is headed to court.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 7:23 AM EDT2013-05-21 11:23:53 GMT
The New York jury on which Caroline Kennedy served has acquitted a man of dealing crack cocaine. Kennedy was juror No. 7 at the trial of Harlem resident Nelson Chatman.
The New York jury on which Caroline Kennedy served has acquitted a man of dealing crack cocaine. Kennedy was juror No. 7 at the trial of Harlem resident Nelson Chatman.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:51 AM EDT2013-05-21 10:51:26 GMT
The Metropolitan Opera says it's decided to disband its resident ballet company.
The Metropolitan Opera says it's decided to disband its resident ballet company. The American Guild of Musical Artists said the eight remaining dancers of the Metropolitan Opera Ballet have accepted buyout packages.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:06 AM EDT2013-05-21 10:06:47 GMT
Looking for some waterfront property in tony Greenwich? A 50-acre compound known as Copper Beach Farm has hit the market with an asking price of $190 million.
Looking for some waterfront property in tony Greenwich? A 50-acre compound known as Copper Beach Farm has hit the market with an asking price of $190 million.
