December 7, 1941
Pearl Harbor was bombed seventy years ago today. My mom, Lillian Koroschetz, started a brand new diary on New Year’s Eve, 1941 reflecting back on the previous year and the effects the barely three-week-old war was already having on the every-day lives of Americans.
See this link at Naval History and Heritage for a thumbnail sketch of why the attack in Hawaii was such a surprise and how it enraged and united Americans into a singular resolve to defeat Japan as well as the German Nazi and Italian Fascist regimes.
December 31, 1941 – 10:15 pm
By pure coincidence, I am beginning this book practically at the dawn of 1942. What will this New Year bring me––I wonder. For that matter what will it bring the world?
Automobile tires, too, are unobtainable for civilian use, and car production will be eliminated in favor of defense activities by the auto plants. I have a firm conviction there will be a severe depression in possibly 5 or 10 years and I am determined to save some money. I have a start now, $34.00 in postal savings. Also I buy 10 cent defense stamps. When I have saved sufficiently by way of these stamps, I shall buy an $18.75 defense bond.
Next week: Lil leaves the topic of war behind to prepare for New Year’s Eve and be “damn mad” at Fred for not asking her out!
We must never forget this day.
“…a date which will live in infamy…” Your mother was aware of what she need to do from the beginning. Unfortunately, I’m wondering if we should be thinking along the same lines today.
Sis, How momentous a moment mom (and you) captured here as seen through the eyes of a VERY young woman of just 24! The world still pivots on the consequences of this day 70 years ago. I am impressed by the sense of perspective mom had at such a young age. I wonder how many today of 24 would be able to write something like this about today’s events? The referenced site is filled with chilling photos…even for history buffs like me. “Freedom” is a never ending battle between those with power and those with less…always needing renewal by the… Read more »
Thanks to all for comments on this anniversary that changed our country, our families, and our world. It will soon be only in the history books. I read that the WWII vets from Pearl Harbor will now end their yearly get-togethers. All dead or in nursing homes. it was a front page item on NYT today, but the stories will get smaller and smaller.
Linda, this truly is a day for focus on your story. My mother, age 84, remembers it well, as do all those who remain of her generation.
Hope you saw that Terry Helwig answered your question, and I tossed you a link on 100memoirs.