US commemorates 80th anniversary of Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor
Los Angeles, US, Dec 7 (EFE).- The United States on Tuesday marked the 80th anniversary of Japan’s attack on the US Naval base in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, which left more than 2,400 dead and led to the US’ entry into World War II.
Several tributes were paid throughout the day, including a commemorative ceremony to remember the 58 soldiers who died aboard the battleship USS Utah, the first ship to be struck in the attack launched by Japan on Dec. 7, 1941.
US President Joe Biden paid a visit to the World War II Memorial in Washington, DC, accompanied by first lady Jill Biden.
In a presidential proclamation, Biden described the attack as “a day that still lives in infamy 80 years later” paraphrasing then-US President Franklin D. Roosevelt (1933-1945.)
“As we mark National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, we honor the patriots who perished, commemorate the valor of all those who defended our Nation, and recommit ourselves to carrying forth the ensuing peace and reconciliation that brought a better future for our world,” Biden added.
The attack, which Japan says was a preventive action, involved 353 Japanese aircraft, including bombers and fighter jets.
The surprise attack left more than 2,300 Americans dead, including some 50 civilians, and about 1,200 wounded, in addition to the destruction of hundreds of vessels and aircraft of the US Pacific Fleet.
The following day, Washington declared war on Tokyo and entered World War II, which took place between 1939 and 1945 and ended with some 60 million deaths. EFE
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