In honor of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, the Lafayette Historical Society will be hosting two speakers who will discuss the causes and effects of Pearl Harbor on December 2nd at 1 pm in the Community Hall.
Pearl Harbor Day, celebrated on December 7th, honors those who served and gave their lives on the day described by President Franklin Roosevelt as a “date which will live in infamy.” The surprise attack on Pearl Harbor by the Japanese in 1941 was a direct cause of the United States entering World War II and today represents the need for American vigilance, as expressed in the motto of Pearl Harbor: “Remember Pearl Harbor — keep America alert.”
The two speakers hosted by the Historical Society are Wayne Korsinen, chairman of the Pearl Harbor Day Ceremony on Mt. Diablo, and Chuck Kohler, a Pearl Harbor survivor.
Wayne Korsinen
Opening the program, Mr. Korsinen will provide a dramatization of events in the two months leading up to the attack, as seen through the eyes of Secretary of the Navy Frank Knox. Delving into the reasons that the United States somehow missed the signs leading up to Pearl Harbor, Mr. Korsinen will explore the concept of the attack without the benefit of hindsight.
Chuck Kohler
Following Mr. Korsinen will be Chuck Kohler, a Pearl Harbor survivor, who will discuss the actual events of December 7th, 1941. As part of a naval air squadron based on Ford Island in the center of the attack, Mr. Kohler provides a priceless window into the history of that terrible day. Mr. Kohler has given his talk to many schools and community groups and will no doubt put the horror and shock of a historic event into modern perspective.
The Lafayette Historical Society encourages members of the community to attend to not only honor those who served but to help understand the attack as it relates to life today. Historically, the attack on Pearl Harbor was a complete surprise, similar to many modern events such as 9/11 and the attack on the embassy in Libya. Mr. Korsinen put it best:
“Remember Pearl Harbor — keep America alert.” In terms of 9/11 and terrorism today I don’t think that’s an old idea. Even if it’s not going to be a bombing raid it could be something anytime, anywhere.”
So please, join us for the unique program “How Could it Be Pearl? The Japanese Surprise Attack” Sunday, December 2nd at 1 p.m. in the Community Hall of the Lafayette Library and Learning Center. Donation requested, $10 for LHS member, $15 for non members and any child under 14 is free with a paying adult. For reservations or more information please call (925) 283-1848 or email Lafayette.history@comcast.net.
–Amanda Berkson-Brand
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