Albert L. Kaiss, the last commanding officer of USS Missouri (BB-63), passed away on July 25, 2018, at the age of 78 in his hometown of Hagerstown, Maryland. As the final captain of the legendary battleship, Kaiss played a crucial role in the ship’s historic journey, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the United States Navy.

On March 31, 1992, Captain Albert L. Kaiss stepped off USS Missouri for the last time in Long Beach, California, marking the end of an era. Having served two separate tours as the ship’s commander, he was the last person to captain a U.S. Navy battleship. Under his leadership, the Mighty Mo remained an enduring symbol of American naval power.

Brought back into service in 1985 as part of the U.S. Navy’s expansion plan, USS Missouri once again became a force to be reckoned with. Captain Kaiss took command of the ship, but in 1986, a heart attack forced him to temporarily step down. Following his recovery, he returned to the helm in 1990, just in time to lead the battleship into action during Operation Desert Storm.

Under Kaiss’ command, USS Missouri launched Tomahawk missiles and provided naval gunfire support during the Persian Gulf War. This marked one of the last times a battleship participated in active combat, solidifying the ship’s—and Kaiss’—place in history.

As a testament to the ship’s significance, President George H.W. Bush ordered USS Missouri to Pearl Harbor for the 50th anniversary of the infamous December 7, 1941 attack. Although Kaiss had not been born when the attack occurred, he commanded the ship with honor during its final act of service. USS Missouri’s presence at Pearl Harbor symbolized America’s resilience and remembrance of those lost during World War II.

Three months after the Pearl Harbor commemoration, USS Missouri was decommissioned for the final time. In his farewell message to the crew, Kaiss expressed his gratitude: “It’s often said that the crew makes the command. There is no truer statement. You are a special breed of sailors and Marines, and I am proud to have served with each and every one of you.”

As the last active-duty service member to command a U.S. battleship, Kaiss retired just two days after USS Missouri was decommissioned, cementing his name in naval history alongside the iconic warship.

Though he passed away in 2018, Kaiss’ contributions to the U.S. Navy and USS Missouri will never be forgotten. Today, the Mighty Mo stands proudly in Pearl Harbor as a museum ship, welcoming visitors from around the world. Kaiss’ leadership and dedication continue to be honored through the preservation of the Battleship Missouri Memorial.

Albert L. Kaiss was laid to rest at Mountain View Cemetery in Sharpsburg, Maryland. In his memory, his family requested donations be made to the USS Missouri Memorial Association to support the ongoing preservation of this historic battleship. His legacy as the last commander of the Mighty Mo lives on, inspiring future generations to remember the significance of USS Missouri and its storied past.

Chuichi Nagumo, Vice Admiral IJN was a key figure in the attack on Pearl Harbor, despite his initial opposition to the operation. As commander of the carrier-centered Mobile Force (Kido Butai), he led a formidable fleet consisting of six aircraft carriers, two battleships, three cruisers, and nine destroyers. His forces were strategically divided into three carrier groups:

• Nagumo’s Command:Carriers Akagi and Kaga
• Rear Admiral Tamon Yamaguchi’s Command:Carriers Hiryu and Soryu
• Rear Admiral Chuichi Hara’s Command:Carriers Zuikaku and Shokaku

On December 2, 1941, Nagumo received the coded message from Tokyo: “Climb Mount Niitaka 1208.” This signaled that the attack on Pearl Harbor was confirmed and scheduled for December 8 (Japan Time, December 7 Hawaii Time).

Under Nagumo’s leadership, the fleet approached Oahu undetected, giving them the element of surprise. The first wave of the attack was devastatingly effective, crippling the U.S. Pacific Fleet. The second wave, though successful, suffered more aircraft losses due to American anti-aircraft defenses.

Despite these victories, Nagumo faced a critical dilemma. None of his ships were equipped with radar, and he soon learned that the U.S. aircraft carriers he had hoped to destroy were absent. This created a significant risk—if the American carriers launched a counterattack, his fleet could be in jeopardy.

Nagumo had two options: proceed with a third wave to target vital infrastructure, such as Oahu’s fuel depots and shipyards, or retreat to preserve his remaining forces. In a cautious and conservative move, he chose to withdraw, a decision that remains one of the most debated moments in military history.

Many historians argue that not launching a third wave was a critical strategic error in the Pacific War. By sparing Pearl Harbor’s fuel reserves, dry docks, and repair facilities, Nagumo allowed the U.S. Navy to recover faster than expected. Nearly a year later, Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto himself admitted, “Events have shown that it was a great mistake not to have launched a second attack against Pearl Harbor.”

Nagumo’s lack of aviation expertise and his inherently cautious nature made him hesitant to take further risks. This same indecisiveness would later contribute to Japan’s disastrous defeat at the Battle of Midway in June 1942, where his hesitation and poor tactical choices led to the destruction of four Japanese aircraft carriers.

As Japan faced mounting losses in the Pacific, Nagumo found himself on the island of Saipan in 1944. With American forces closing in and defeat inevitable, he took his own life on July 6, 1944. His death marked the tragic end of a career defined by cautious leadership, controversial decisions, and a moment in history that changed the course of World War II.

While Chuichi Nagumo’s legacy remains debated, his role in Pearl Harbor and the Pacific War serves as a reminder of the profound impact of military decisions in shaping world history.

Japanese Internment: A People Locked Away was a dark chapter in American history, where thousands of Japanese Americans were forcibly removed from their homes and imprisoned in internment camps. For many, the experience was a sudden upheaval, stripping them of their rights and livelihoods. One five-year-old boy, unaware of the gravity of the situation, sat on a train with his family, believing he was on an adventure. He didn’t understand why the adults around him were crying. As they arrived at a camp in Arkansas, surrounded by barbed wire and armed guards, he remained oblivious to the reality that he and his family would spend the next three years locked away, uncertain of their fate.

The attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, propelled the United States into World War II, but it also sparked fear and suspicion toward Japanese Americans. Just two months later, on February 19, 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, authorizing the forced relocation of more than 110,000 Japanese Americans from the West Coast. These individuals, the vast majority of whom were American citizens, were sent to internment camps regardless of their background, occupation, or loyalty to the U.S. They included mechanics, teachers, nurses, photographers, and even soldiers who had served in the U.S. military.

Families were given mere weeks to pack their belongings and evacuate their homes. Many were forced to sell their property, businesses, and possessions at a fraction of their value. Others entrusted their belongings to non-Japanese friends, hoping to reclaim them someday. They were sent first to Assembly Centers, temporary holding areas before their final destination in one of ten internment camps scattered across desolate regions of California, Arizona, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, Idaho, and Arkansas.

Life in these camps was far from comfortable. Families lived in crowded barracks with little privacy, as walls did not extend to the ceilings. They endured harsh weather conditions, from the scorching desert heat to freezing winters. Food was rationed, consisting of mass-produced military-style meals served in communal mess halls. The internees were expected to work in menial jobs, earning as little as $12 per month. Farming was encouraged, but the harsh terrain made agriculture nearly impossible.

Despite the difficult conditions, Japanese Americans sought to maintain a sense of normalcy. Schools were established for children, and recreational activities like baseball games and talent shows helped lift spirits. Some young men even enlisted in the U.S. military, forming the legendary 442nd Regimental Combat Team, which became one of the most decorated units in American history.

It wasn’t until January 2, 1945, that President Roosevelt rescinded Executive Order 9066. However, by then, the damage had been done. Many Japanese Americans emerged from the camps with nothing—their homes, businesses, and savings were gone. They faced discrimination, hostility, and economic hardship, struggling to rebuild their lives in a country that had betrayed them.

One of those affected was actor and activist George Takei, the five-year-old boy on the train. His family, like many others, had to rely on fellow Asian Americans for support, as jobs and housing were often denied to them. Some relocated to the East Coast, hoping to escape the prejudice that remained strong on the West Coast.

Decades passed before the U.S. government acknowledged the injustice of the Japanese internment camps. In 1976, President Gerald Ford officially condemned internment as a mistake. Then, in 1988, President Ronald Reagan signed the Civil Liberties Act, offering a formal apology and $20,000 in reparations to surviving internees. On the 50th anniversary of Pearl Harbor, President George H.W. Bush further expressed regret, acknowledging the deep wounds left by this period of American history.

While World War II was a time of great heroism and sacrifice, it also exposed the dangers of fear-driven policies and racial prejudice. The internment of Japanese Americans remains a stark reminder of the consequences of wartime hysteria and the importance of safeguarding civil liberties for all. By remembering the past, we ensure that such injustices are never repeated.

The Harsh World War II POW Camps tell the harrowing tales of the brave soldiers who endured unimaginable suffering during World War II. The movie Unbroken immortalized the heroic journey of Louis Zamperini, from his Olympic glory to his time as a U.S. Army Air Forces bombardier stationed at Pearl Harbor. Like many servicemen, Zamperini trained at this critical military base before embarking on dangerous bombing missions in the Pacific. However, his fate would take a dark turn as he, like thousands of others, became a prisoner of war in the brutal Japanese POW camps.

Every pilot who launched from Pearl Harbor shared the same fears. Bombers were slow, poorly armored, and vulnerable to attacks by the highly maneuverable Japanese Zero fighter planes. Fuel shortages further compounded the risks, often forcing pilots to ditch into the ocean. Zamperini’s worst nightmare became reality during a B-24 bombing run when his aircraft suffered mechanical failure and crashed 850 miles south of Oahu. Of the eleven crew members, only three survived the impact, stranded in the vast ocean.

After 47 grueling days adrift, battling sharks, starvation, and the scorching sun, Zamperini and another crew member reached the Japanese-occupied Marshall Islands. But the trials they had faced at sea were nothing compared to the horrors awaiting them as prisoners of war.

The Japanese military’s treatment of POWs was infamous for its brutality. Deeply ingrained beliefs about honor and surrender fueled their contempt for captured soldiers. Unlike Western forces, which viewed surrender as a wartime reality, Japan’s military doctrine dictated that soldiers must fight to the death. As a result, captured Allied soldiers were seen as disgraced and unworthy of humane treatment.

Japan’s refusal to ratify the 1929 Geneva Conventions further enabled the mistreatment of POWs. Over 27,000 American military personnel were taken prisoner by the Japanese during World War II, and a shocking 27% perished—compared to just 3% of American POWs held in German camps.

Prisoners like Zamperini faced grueling conditions. Forced into labor in mines, factories, and fields, they toiled until exhaustion claimed their lives. Food was scarce, beatings were routine, and executions were common. Some POWs were subjected to horrific medical experiments, including being injected with seawater to test its viability as a saline solution. Others endured live vivisections, where organs were removed without anesthesia. One war crimes tribunal even documented a case in which a Japanese doctor drilled into a captive’s skull while he was still alive.

The atrocities committed in these camps remain among the darkest chapters of World War II history. Despite overwhelming evidence of war crimes, only one of the more than 60 Japanese companies that profited from POW labor has ever issued an apology. Survivors like Louis Zamperini carried the scars of their captivity for life, but many found the strength to forgive, sharing their stories so the world would never forget the horrors they endured.

World War II POW camps were places of unimaginable suffering, but the resilience and bravery of those who survived serve as a testament to the indomitable human spirit. Their legacy ensures that history remembers the sacrifices made and the injustices endured by those who fought and suffered in the name of freedom.

Notable Letters From Pearl Harbor capture the raw emotions, firsthand experiences, and historical significance of one of the most devastating days in American history—December 7, 1941. In an era without phones or instant messaging, letters and telegrams were the only ways to communicate with loved ones. The attack on Pearl Harbor left families desperate for news, and those who survived documented their experiences in poignant letters that still resonate today.

One such letter came from Mrs. Jane Colestock, the wife of Lieutenant Edward Colestock, who witnessed the immediate aftermath of the attack. Just days later, she wrote, “If I live thru it, I’ll be glad not to have missed it.” Her words reflect both the terror and resilience that defined this period. Describing the destruction, she wrote, “Superficially the station looks the same except for the skeleton of a burned hangar, wreckage of a Japanese plane scattered on the hill, and of course, gun emplacements, brownish-green dyed white uniforms on the sailors, helmets, rifles, pistol belts, unshaven officers, etc.”

For many stationed at Pearl Harbor, survival was uncertain. Marine Corporal E.C. Nightingale, aboard the USS Arizona during the attack, miraculously made it out alive. In a letter recounting his escape, he wrote, “We were perhaps twenty-five feet from the pipeline when the Major’s strength gave out. I saw he was floundering, so I loosened my grip on him and told him to make it alone. He stopped, grabbed me by the shirt, and refused to let go. I would have drowned but for the Major. We finally reached the beach where a Marine directed us to a bomb shelter, where I was given dry clothes and a place to rest.” His letter paints a haunting yet inspiring picture of heroism and camaraderie amid chaos.

For those back home, the days following the attack were filled with anxiety, waiting for any word that their loved ones had survived. Corporal Henry G. Rieth sent telegrams to his family in Boston to let them know he was safe. Two weeks later, he followed up with a letter offering reassurance laced with humor: “I went up to the hospital with Johnnie to see a few of the boys. I guess they’ll all pull through O.K… Paul will be back with us soon because the way he’s improved is proof that he’s got what it takes. I started kidding him about only the good dying young, and that’s the reason he got off so easy. He’s the type of guy that doesn’t even cuss or drink anything stronger than a Coke, so he got a kick out of it.”

This letter showcases how, even in the face of war, soldiers found ways to uplift each other and maintain a sense of normalcy.

While many were still reeling from the attack, some military leaders were already looking ahead. Commander Slade Cutter, who would later earn four Navy Crosses for his wartime service, wrote to his mother with remarkable foresight: “I do not think that the attack will be repeated, as the element of surprise is lacking, and that was the only thing that made the affair successful. It was a serious blow, but not at all as bad as one might think.” His words highlight the resilience of the U.S. military and the confidence that Japan’s initial advantage would not last.

These letters from Pearl Harbor serve as invaluable historical records, providing intimate glimpses into the minds of those who lived through the attack. They capture fear, courage, grief, and even humor—emotions that continue to resonate over eight decades later. Each letter is a reminder of the human side of history, bringing personal voices to an event that shaped the world.

As we reflect on Pearl Harbor, these letters allow us to step back in time, understanding the thoughts, struggles, and unwavering resilience of those who endured that fateful day. Their words keep history alive, ensuring that the legacy of Pearl Harbor is never forgotten.

The USS Cassin (DD-372) was a Mahan-class destroyer that had a remarkable journey, starting from its destruction at Pearl Harbor to its eventual return to the battlefield in World War II. The events that unfolded on December 7, 1941, turned this destroyer from a seemingly lost ship into one that would become a symbol of resilience and dedication.

On the morning of December 7, 1941, the Japanese launched a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, devastating the United States Navy. While the battleships received much of the attention, other ships, including the USS Cassin, were also severely damaged. At the time of the attack, the USS Cassin was in drydock alongside the USS Downes (DD-375) and the USS Pennsylvania (BB-38), making it a prime target for the Japanese bombers.
An incendiary bomb struck nearby the USS Downes, igniting fires that quickly spread to the drydock. Amid the chaos, the USS Cassin was knocked from its keel, colliding with the Downes. The damage was extensive, and by the end of the day, the Cassin was decommissioned and deemed a total loss. But what appeared to be the end of the ship’s journey was, in fact, just the beginning of a remarkable rebirth.

Though initially considered beyond repair, the USS Cassin’s fate took a dramatic turn. Instead of being scrapped, parts of the heavily damaged ship were sent to the Mare Island Navy Yard, where a new vessel bearing the same name was constructed. This new USS Cassin was recommissioned on February 5, 1944, marking the start of its remarkable second life.
Once rebuilt, the USS Cassin returned to service, playing a vital role in the Pacific Theater. The ship participated in critical operations such as escort missions, bombardments of enemy ground forces on various Pacific islands, and support for the Iwo Jima invasion. The Cassin proved its worth in the battles of the Pacific, helping secure victories in key areas and providing vital support to American troops in their fight against Japan.

During World War II, the USS Cassin was involved in numerous missions. Her most notable contributions came in the form of escorting convoys, providing naval bombardment to enemy positions on islands across the Pacific, and assisting in the preparations for the invasion of Iwo Jima. Her presence was a constant reassurance for American forces who relied on the ship’s firepower and expertise to push through enemy lines.
After the capture of Iwo Jima, the USS Cassin continued to serve in various capacities. She played an essential role in air-sea rescue missions and participated in numerous patrols. Her crew made sure to keep the ship in prime operational condition despite the frequent repairs and replenishment runs to Guam and Saipan.

The USS Cassin faced more challenges as the war drew to a close. On June 6, 1945, just before the war’s end, the ship encountered a deadly typhoon. Tragically, one crew member lost their life during the storm, but the ship remained undeterred. A month later, the Cassin successfully carried out a bombardment mission on Kita-Iojima, showcasing the ship’s resilience in the face of adversity.
The war ended in August 1945, and soon after, the USS Cassin was decommissioned for the final time. After years of serving the Navy, the ship was sold for scrap in November 1947, bringing an end to its long and storied career.

The story of the USS Cassin is one of survival, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to the mission. From the depths of destruction at Pearl Harbor to her return to service and significant contributions to the Pacific War, the Cassin represents the enduring spirit of the U.S. Navy. Her journey serves as a reminder that even when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles, perseverance can lead to remarkable achievements.
As one of the many ships that fought through the Pacific Theater, the USS Cassin’s legacy endures in the history of the Navy and the countless men and women who served aboard her. While the ship may have been physically decommissioned and dismantled, its story lives on as a testament to the strength and determination of those who served during the Second World War.

On the morning of December 7, 1941, the world changed forever when a formidable Japanese strike force launched a devastating attack on Pearl Harbor. With bombs and torpedoes raining down on American battleships and military installations, the United States found itself thrust into World War II. The surprise attack claimed the lives of 2,403 Americans, destroyed two battleships, and shattered the nation’s neutrality, setting the stage for a fierce war in the Pacific.
While the United States also battled Germany and Italy in the European theater, Japan emerged as its primary adversary. The attack on Pearl Harbor ignited a firestorm of anger and determination across the nation. For nearly four years, American forces, alongside Allied powers, fought relentlessly to push back Japanese expansion in the Pacific. Though initial months were difficult, the tide turned following the pivotal Battle of Midway, after which Japan struggled to reclaim its momentum.

Despite suffering numerous defeats after Midway, Japan continued to fight with unwavering resistance. Major battles such as Iwo Jima and Okinawa demonstrated the ferocity of the war, with both sides enduring tremendous casualties. Faced with the prospect of prolonged and devastating conflict, the United States made a controversial decision—to use atomic weaponry.
On August 6, 1945, the first atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, instantly killing tens of thousands. Just three days later, a second bomb was unleashed on Nagasaki, leading to over 120,000 deaths. The catastrophic destruction forced Japan to confront an undeniable reality: surrender was the only option.
On August 15, 1945, just six days after the Nagasaki bombing, Japan announced its surrender. This marked a momentous turning point in history, bringing an end to the bloodshed that had engulfed the Pacific. However, different nations observe Victory Over Japan (V-J) Day on different dates due to time zone variations and historical interpretations.

Several nations commemorate Japan’s defeat on different dates, highlighting the global significance of the event. The United Kingdom, Australia, and the Netherlands observe Victory Over Japan Day on August 15, the same day Japan’s surrender was announced. In North and South Korea, this date also marks National Liberation Day, as it signified the end of Japanese colonial rule over the Korean Peninsula.
In contrast, the United States recognizes September 2 as Victory Over Japan Day. This is the date when Japan formally ended the war by signing the Instrument of Surrender aboard the USS Missouri, anchored in Tokyo Bay. Surrounded by Allied officers, Japanese Foreign Minister Mamoru Shigemitsu officially sealed Japan’s fate, bringing World War II to a final conclusion. Although an undeniably historic day, V-J Day is not widely recognized or celebrated as a national holiday in the U.S.

Victory Over Japan Day remains a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during World War II. It symbolizes not only military triumph but also the immense human cost of war. The atomic bombings remain a subject of ethical debate, yet they undeniably played a crucial role in compelling Japan’s surrender and preventing further loss of life in a prolonged conflict.
As time moves forward, the significance of V-J Day should not be forgotten. It serves as a testament to the resilience of nations, the horrors of war, and the ultimate pursuit of peace. Whether recognized on August 15 or September 2, Victory Over Japan Day continues to mark a defining chapter in global history, forever shaping the modern world.

Looking back at the history of World War II, particularly the attack on Pearl Harbor, one phrase often stands out: “awaken the sleeping giant.” This powerful expression encapsulates the unintended consequences of Japan’s surprise attack on December 7, 1941, which propelled the United States into the global conflict with unparalleled resolve.

The “sleeping giant” in this context refers to the United States, a nation that had maintained a stance of neutrality in the early years of World War II. While America supported the Allies through arms and supplies, it remained hesitant to deploy its military forces into battle. However, the attack on Pearl Harbor abruptly changed everything.
When Japanese bombers launched their devastating assault on the American naval base in Hawaii, it did more than cripple the Pacific Fleet. It ignited a fierce determination within the United States, rallying the nation toward war. In response, over ten million American troops were mobilized, leading to a military campaign that ultimately spelled defeat for Japan. By attacking Pearl Harbor, Japan inadvertently set into motion a series of events that would lead to its own downfall.

The phrase “awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with a terrible resolve” is widely attributed to Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, the mastermind behind the attack. However, historical evidence suggests that he may never have actually spoken or written these words. Instead, this now-famous quote was popularized by the 1970 film Tora! Tora! Tora!, which dramatized the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Despite its uncertain origins, the phrase has become deeply ingrained in the history of the attack, symbolizing the monumental shift that took place on December 7, 1941. Yamamoto himself had expressed doubts about engaging the United States in war, knowing that the industrial and military power of the nation would eventually overwhelm Japan.

Regardless of whether Yamamoto truly said those words, the sentiment behind them holds undeniable truth. Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor did awaken a sleeping giant, and the consequences were swift and severe.
One of the most significant turning points following Pearl Harbor was the Battle of Midway in June 1942. After deciphering Japan’s strategic plans, American forces launched a decisive counterattack that dealt a devastating blow to the Imperial Japanese Navy. This battle marked the beginning of Japan’s decline in the Pacific theater.
From that point forward, the United States maintained relentless pressure, engaging in key battles across the Pacific, from Guadalcanal to Iwo Jima. The industrial power and military might of America, once dormant, had been fully unleashed. The sleeping giant was not only awake but was now an unstoppable force that would eventually lead to Japan’s surrender in 1945.

The attack on Pearl Harbor remains one of the most defining moments in American history. It not only pushed the United States into World War II but also reshaped the global power structure for decades to come. Today, Pearl Harbor stands as a symbol of resilience, sacrifice, and the awakening of a nation that would go on to change the course of history.
As we reflect on this pivotal moment, the lessons of Pearl Harbor remind us of the cost of complacency and the power of unity. The sleeping giant may have been awakened that day, but its legacy continues to echo through time, ensuring that history is never forgotten.

For over a century, baseball has been revered as America’s pastime, but its influence extends far beyond the United States. One of the most significant international connections forged through the sport has been between the United States and Japan. Long before World War II reshaped global relations, these two nations shared a deep love for baseball, creating a bond that, for a time, transcended political tensions.

Baseball took root in Japan in the early 20th century, quickly gaining popularity. Japanese college teams traveled to the United States for exhibition games, while American baseball stars visited Japan as goodwill ambassadors. In the 1930s, some of the biggest names in Major League Baseball, including Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, toured Japan, thrilling fans and strengthening international camaraderie. When Ruth arrived in Tokyo in 1934, more than 100,000 Japanese fans gathered to greet him, showcasing the sport’s powerful cultural impact.
Despite growing political tensions between Japan and the U.S., baseball continued to serve as a bridge between the two nations. However, as the world edged closer to war, even baseball could not remain untouched by the rising discord.

By October 1940, Japan made deliberate moves to distance itself from American cultural influences. In an effort to nationalize the sport, the government removed English baseball terminology, replacing terms like “strike” and “out” with their Japanese equivalents. American-style team names such as the Giants, Tigers, and Senators were also replaced with distinctly Japanese names. What may have seemed like a minor change at the time was actually an early indicator of Japan’s intent to separate from Western influences as tensions escalated on the global stage.

Everything changed on December 7, 1941, when the Japanese launched a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. The assault devastated the United States, leading to its immediate entry into World War II. American sportswriters, who had long viewed baseball as a symbol of goodwill between the nations, struggled to reconcile the attack with the years of baseball diplomacy.
In the wake of Pearl Harbor, some sports journalists transformed their coverage into wartime propaganda, denouncing Japan and calling for the “gift of baseball” to be stripped away. Many compared the war to a baseball game, framing the conflict in terms that resonated with American audiences. One prominent writer stated, “Mr. Tojo will wake up some night with the feeling that he got into this thing with two strikes against him and Bob Feller having one hell of a day.” These words illustrated how deeply baseball was ingrained in American culture—even in times of war.

During World War II, many American baseball players, including legendary pitcher Bob Feller, put their careers on hold to serve in the military. Meanwhile, in Japan, the war disrupted the sport’s growth. However, once the war ended, baseball once again became a force for reconciliation. In the post-war years, the United States played a pivotal role in reviving professional baseball in Japan. American teams visited Japan for exhibition games, and the sport flourished once again, becoming an integral part of Japanese culture.
Today, baseball remains a cherished sport in both nations, symbolizing the resilience of their shared history. Despite the turbulence of World War II, the love of the game ultimately endured, proving that even amidst conflict, cultural connections can withstand the test of time.

The story of baseball between the United States and Japan is a testament to the sport’s ability to unite people across borders. Though war briefly severed this bond, baseball emerged stronger, reinforcing diplomatic ties in the post-war era. From Babe Ruth’s triumphant tour to the modern-day success of Japanese players in Major League Baseball, the game continues to bridge the two nations, reminding us that some connections are powerful enough to survive even the darkest of times.

A droplet of oil spreads across the calm waters of Pearl Harbor, a silent tribute to the lives lost on that fateful day. Beneath the surface rests the USS Arizona, a stark reminder of the devastating attack that forever changed the course of history. The events of December 7, 1941, left an indelible mark on the United States, igniting a war that reshaped the world.

The attack on Pearl Harbor was a meticulously planned strike by the Imperial Japanese Navy. In under two hours, more than 2,400 Americans lost their lives, including 1,177 sailors aboard the USS Arizona. Battleships were sunk, aircraft destroyed, and the Pacific Fleet was left in ruins. The tragedy of that morning led to the United States’ entry into World War II, a turning point that would ultimately lead to the defeat of fascism and the emergence of the U.S. as a global superpower.

Each year, the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument welcomes millions of visitors from across the world. They come to pay their respects, to walk the grounds where history unfolded, and to ensure the sacrifices made that day are never forgotten. The USS Arizona Memorial, resting above the sunken battleship, serves as a powerful tribute to the lives lost.
As time passes, the number of Pearl Harbor survivors diminishes, making it even more crucial to preserve their stories. Programs at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center and the Pacific Aviation Museum strive to educate new generations about the significance of December 7, 1941. Interactive exhibits, historical artifacts, and first-hand accounts transport visitors back in time, keeping the memory of that day alive.

Pearl Harbor is more than just a historic site; it is a testament to the resilience and unity of the American people. The attack was intended to cripple the United States, but instead, it strengthened national resolve. Within days, the nation rallied together, leading to a war effort that would ultimately bring victory.
The USS Missouri, the site where Japan formally surrendered in 1945, stands as a symbol of this triumph. Visitors to Pearl Harbor can walk the decks where history was made, bridging the gap between the beginning and the end of the conflict.

As we commemorate the 76th anniversary of Pearl Harbor, we must continue to honor the memory of those who perished. History serves as a reminder of the cost of freedom and the importance of vigilance. By visiting Pearl Harbor, learning its history, and sharing its stories, we ensure that the sacrifices made on December 7, 1941, are never forgotten.
Whether it’s the 76th, the 80th, or the 100th anniversary, the attack on Pearl Harbor must remain a poignant lesson for future generations. Through the dedication of the National Park Service and the continued interest of visitors, the memory of Pearl Harbor will live on, reminding us of the resilience, bravery, and unity that define the American spirit.