COUNTY LIFE
Remembering Pearl Harbor 77 years after the attack
Dec. 7, 2018 marks the 77th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, HI, which lead America into World War II.
Pearl Harbor is a U.S. naval base near Honolulu, Hawaii, that was the scene of a devastating surprise attack by Japanese forces on December 7, 1941. Just before 8 a.m. on that Sunday morning, hundreds of Japanese fighter planes descended on the base, where they managed to destroy or damage nearly 20 American naval vessels, including eight battleships, and over 300 airplanes. More than 2,400 Americans died in the attack, including civilians, and another 1,000 people were wounded. The day after the assault, President Franklin D. Roosevelt asked Congress to declare war on Japan.
The Japanese plan was simple: Destroy the Pacific Fleet. That way, the Americans would not be able to fight back as Japan’s armed forces spread across the South Pacific. On December 7, after months of planning and practice, the Japanese launched their attack.
At about 8 a.m., Japanese planes filled the sky over Pearl Harbor. Bombs and bullets rained onto the vessels moored below. At 8:10, a 1,800-pound bomb smashed through the deck of the battleship USS Arizona and landed in her forward ammunition magazine. The ship exploded and sank with more than 1,000 men trapped inside.
Next, torpedoes pierced the shell of the battleship USS Oklahoma. With 400 sailors aboard, the Oklahoma lost her balance, rolled onto her side and slipped underwater.
Less than two hours later, the surprise attack was over, and every battleship in Pearl Harbor—USS Arizona, USS Oklahoma, USS California, USS West Virginia, USS Utah, USS Maryland, USS Pennsylvania, USS Tennessee and USS Nevada—had sustained significant damage. (All but USS Arizona and USS Utah were eventually salvaged and repaired.)
In all, the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor crippled or destroyed nearly 20 American ships and more than 300 airplanes. Dry docks and airfields were likewise destroyed. Most important, 2,403 sailors, soldiers and civilians were killed and about 1,000 people were wounded.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt addressed a joint session of the U.S. Congress on December 8, the day after the crushing attack on Pearl Harbor.
“Yesterday, December 7, 1941—a date which will live in infamy—the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.”
He went on to say, “No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory. I believe I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost, but will make very certain that this form of treachery shall never endanger us again.”
For more on the history of Pearl Harbor visit the following link:
https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/pearl-harbor
Rescue teams work on the capsized hull of the USS Oklahoma after it was destroyed in the bombing of Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. (U.S. Navy Archives)
Make plans to enjoy a leisure Saturday in the park at the Music in the Park Festival on June 14 in Bowie’s Pelham Park.
Guests are invited to bring their lawn chairs and set up under the oak trees that fill the park near the amphitheater. This is the second year for this free festival as it expands to a full day hosted by the Bowie Community Center and R&K Sound Company.
The day opens with a 5K run/walk at 8:30 a.m. at the Pelham Park Pavillion. Pre-race warm-up begins at 8:10 a.m. and the race starts at 8:30 a.m. There will be first-third place winners in each age category.
Entry fee is $35 and participants receive a T-shirt. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Clear Choice Pregnancy Resource Center. Enter at the QR code on the Clear Choice Facebook page or email fourseasonsraceseries@gmail.com.
Live accoustic music opens the free festival starting at 11:30 a.m. with Corbin Woolsey, Blake Mangus, Tiffany Chandler, Sara White and Dillon Edwards. Other live music that day will include Bad Daddy Band and Bricktown Band. ZZ Texas, a ZZ Top tribute band will take the stage at 8 p.m. Live music continues until 10 p.m.
There will be food truck vendors, bounce houses (fee) and vendors. Guests are allowed to bring beer in a cooler, but no soda pop or similar drinks. There will be a $5 cooler fee.
Those with questions may call Bonnie at 940-872-4861 or Kenny at 817-704-9847.
By BARBARA GREEN
editor@bowienewsonline.com
Members of the Nocona Chamber of Commerce celebrated their past year during the annual awards banquet Monday night surrounded by theme of “Roaring ‘20s.”
A beautiful array of tables welcomed guests to the annual event in the H.J. Justin Building in downtown Nocona. Longtime chamber member and local businessman Larry Lemons welcomed the group and shared his tale of the benefits of being in the chamber of commerce in humorous verse.
“If you love seeing deliberate strides in your community,” you may want to be a chamber member. He pointed to the chamber’s efforts to promote the town, welcome visitors and promote business members.
Hobie Meekins of Wells Fargo Bank was named Chamber Citizen of the Year.
Read the full story and see more photos in the Thursday Bowie News.
Top photo: The Carpenter Shop was named Organization of the Year by the Nocona Chamber of Commerce.
For the 12th year in a row Nocona celebrates the automobile with Cruisin’ Nocona on June 6-7 with a slate of events across downtown.
This event, hosted by the Nocona Chamber of Commerce, made the move from May to June in 2025, but the activities remain the same.
The festivities kick off Friday morning with registration and check-in from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the H.J. Justin Building, 100 Clay Street. That will be followed by a breakfast burrito fundraiser (by donation) benefiting Nocona Lucky Paws from 9 to 10 a.m. It is open to everyone, even those not participating in the cruise.
Chamber organizers explained due to state regulations the cruise can no longer be called a “poker run,” but it will contain a “game component” that will have the same spirit of fun as prior events as everyone enjoys the spring countryside. There will be case prizes of $200, $100 and $50 for first, second and third places.
At 11 a.m. the cruise and game begin, followed by a barbecue lunch at 1 p.m. prepared by the Nocona High School BBQ Team, also at the Justin Building. The cruise resumes at 2:20 p.m. and concludes at Nocona Beer at the Brewery by 4:15 p.m., with game winners announced at 4:30 p.m.
The evening wraps up with the Dark of the Moon Lighted Truck Convoy at 8:30 p.m., traveling down Clay Street and back to the brewery.
June 7 begins with a pancake breakfast from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Justin Building, featuring pancakes, sausage, fruit, coffee, and orange juice. The breakfast is by donation and open to anyone in the community, benefiting American Legion Riders Chapter 220.
At 10 a.m. registration opens for the Car, Motorcycle, and Working Truck Show, with judging beginning at 1 p.m. Kids can join the fun during the Power Wheels Races at 2 p.m. (vehicles must be unmodified and child-operated). The awards ceremony begins at 4 p.m. followed by a live concert by Tin Rivers.
Additional highlights on Saturday include local vendors, food trucks, shopping, and the Trucking Thru Time Rolling Truck Museum, making this a full day of fun for all ages.
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