In December, Pearl Harbor Shadows All

Before we launch into Pearl Harbor, we must visit the Civil Air Patrol (CAP), who celebrates its birthday on December 1, of each year. Cadets range in ages from 12-20 with older members who are 18 and older.

CAP missions include support of Red Cross disaster relief operations and work in natural disaster areas.

CAP has eight regional commands and 52 wings with one in each US state, Puerto Rico and Washington DC, with a total of approximately 60,000 members.

In the 1930s the office of Civilian Defense worked to create what would become America’s civilian aircraft as part of homeland defense. After proving itself successful, official orders were published authorizing Civil Air Patrol in 1941.

The Patrol attacked and sank German U-Boats near American coasts, attacked nearly 60 German vessels and sank at least two. By the end of WWII, CAP dropped more than 80 bombs but more than 60 CAP members had died.

After WWII, CAP was designated the US Air Force civilian auxiliary, but with the caveat that the agency would not be allowed in combat operations.

This is what they can do:

Encourage and aid citizens of the US in contributing efforts, services, and resources in developing aviation and in maintaining air supremacy; and encourage and develop by example the voluntary contribution of private citizens to the public welfare

Provide aviation education and training: To encourage and foster civil aviation in local communities.

Organize private citizens with adequate facilities to assist in meeting local and national emergencies:

To assist the US Air Force in non-combat missions.

President Roosevelt’s message conveyed the national outrage over the Pearl Harbor attack by pronouncing December 7, 1941, “a date which will live in infamy”.

On the morning of December 7, 1941, Japanese bombers staged a surprise attack on US military forces in Hawaii. In a devastating defeat, the United States suffered 3,435 casualties and loss of or severe damage to 188 planes, eight battleships, three light cruisers and four miscellaneous vessels. The day after the attack, before a joint session of Congress, President Franklin D. Roosevelt asked Congress for a declaration of war against Japan.

FDR was furious at Japan’s confidence in their “inevitable triumph” of the United States.

On December 8, 1941, the US declared war on Japan; on December 11, 1941, Germany and Italy declared war against the United States. Today, the USS Arizona Memorial on the island of Oahu, honors the lives lost on the day of the attack.

The U.S. National Guard’s birthday is December 13, dated 1636, making it 386 years old. It was established in Massachusetts General Court, making it the official militia for the American Colonies. Facts to ponder: 101st Engineer Regiment; 101 1st Field Artillery Regiment; 181st Infantry Regiment and 182nd Infantry Regiment-all Massachusetts Army National Guard.

A recently signed law gives official veteran status to National Guard members who served 20 years or more.

From before the American Revolution to Hurricane Ina and beyond, the National Guard has provided support and protection.

Last, but very impressive, is Wreaths Across America, celebrated on December 18, whose mission is to Remember, Honor and Teach, by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies. Wreaths are laid in the Arlington National Cemetery as well as in more than 3400 additional locations in all 50 states, at sea and abroad.