It is a little noted fluke of history that during World War II Canada was the first Western nation to declare war on Japan.
The Imperial Japanese Naval Air Service bombed the U. S. Fleet at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, "a date that shall live in infamy," in the words of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. On December 8, the United States declared war on Japan.
But Canada had made that declaration on December 7 within hours of the Japanese attack. Parliament was not in session and it was not scheduled to sit for action again until January 21, 1942, so the declaration was made without Parliamentary debate. Prime Minister Mackenzie King reasoned that this action was a continuation of the war against the Axis which Parliament had declared in 1939 and thus calling an assembly of Parliament was not necessary.
National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, or simply Pearl Harbor Day, is observed annually in the United States in remembrance of the 2403 American patriots who died on Oahu that December day seventy-four years ago. It is not a Federal holiday, but a day of remembrance. The flag is to be flown at half-staff until sundown on December 7.
Old Glory
Long may she wave.
3 comments:
It's my mom's birthday today too. I always call her and wish her a "Happy Pearl Harbor Day" (of course, not making light of the event, but to razz her a bit)
Lin, I like it. I think I might be inclined to do the same thing. Hope G'ma Phyl had a nice birthday, At least her daughter called her. Good for you.
Sorry, I got so wrapped up in the reading that I forgot to comment. As a result I'll be making some style changes. Good post. Thanks.
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