Sacrifices at Pearl Harbor galvanise millions: Obama

Sacrifices of people who lost their lives in the attack on Pearl Harbor galvanise millions, President Barack Obama today said as he led Americans in remembering those killed in the attack 75 years ago that plunged America into World War II.
"Today, Michelle and I join the American people in remembering those who gave their lives at Pearl Harbor-many of them not much older than boys-and in honouring their families-spouses, siblings, sons and daughters who still carry the memories of their loved ones in their hearts," Obama said in a statement.
"Seventy-five years ago today, a sudden and unprovoked attack turned a tranquil harbor into a sea of flames," he said, adding that over 2,400 American patriots lost their lives in the attack on Pearl Harbor -- military and civilian, men, women and children.

"Their sacrifice galvanised millions of GIs and Rosie the Riveters who answered the call to defend liberty at its moment of maximum peril. In the hours after the attack, President Roosevelt promised that 'the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory'. Thanks to the heroism of a generation, we did," Obama said.
The US president-elect Donald Trump in a separate statement said their shared sacrifice reminds Americans of the "great costs paid by those who came before us to secure the liberties the country enjoys,andinspires them to rise to meet the new challenges that stand before us today."

"America's enemies have changed over the past 75 years. But the fact remains, as President Reagan said when first proclaiming NationalPearlHarbor Remembrance Day, 'there can be no substitute for victory'in the pursuit of peace," Trump said.

Japan's devastating attack on December 7, 1941 caught America off guard, sinking or heavily damaging eight US battleships.
The two-hour assault killed 2,403 Americans and injured more than 1,100 others.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is set to make a historic visit to a memorial in Pearl Harbor later this month -- the first such visit by a Japanese leader -- when Obama is scheduled to join him.

"With President Barack Obama and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe set to visit this sacred ground together later this month, the world will again witness America's leadership and resolve in strengthening global stability, peace, and security," said Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi.
In a speech on the floor of the US House of Representatives, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard honored the 75th Anniversary of the attacks on Pearl Harbor.
"We remember our brothers and sisters who paid the ultimate price, and those who answered the call to serve in the months and years that followed, including our two former Senators Inouye and Akaka, and the more than 320,000 who gave their lives in that war," she said.

California Governor Edmund Brown issued a proclamation declaring December 7 as Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.
"America has always shown its exceptional character and resolve in its darkest moments. Out of this tragedy the United States marshalled the forces of freedom to turn back the tide of tyranny that threatened the world. We salute the brave soldiers who fought from island to island in the Pacific and on the battlefields of Europe to secure total and absolute victory. These patriots are and will always will be our greatest generation," said Republican National Committee Co-Chair Sharon Day.