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For Immediate Release
December 7, 2011
Tribute to the 70th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor
December 7, 1941, is a date that will always be remembered in U.S. history. It was a day where this nation found itself being attacked on its own soil, falling victim to a surprise aerial attack by the Imperial Japanese Navy that claimed the lives of more than 2,000 Americans, including 68 civilians. The events propelled the U.S.’s involvement in World War II, and the following day this nation declared war on Japan.
This ushered in the concept of Airpower as a strategic instrument of national power. The attack made the case for the development of long-range bombers and a commitment to strategic use of Airpower (as opposed to its then-traditional use as cover or support for ground-based operations). This also led to a period where theories of airpower were put to the test—launching a strong industrial output, spurring innovative design, testing operational concepts and eventually leading to an independent Air Force. The Pearl Harbor anniversary will always remain a stark lesson in the need for preparedness and the use of airpower in an air campaign at the strategic level. In this era of budget cuts, this must never be forgotten.
The Air Force Association is a non-profit, independent, professional military and aerospace education association. Our mission is to promote a dominant United States Air Force and a strong national defense, and to honor Airmen and our Air Force Heritage. To accomplish this, we:
- EDUCATE the public on the critical need for unmatched aerospace power and a technically superior workforce to ensure U.S. national security.
- ADVOCATE for aerospace power and STEM education.
- SUPPORT the Total Air Force family and promote aerospace education.
AFA has 200 chapters nationally and internationally representing more than 105,000 members. Visit AFA at
www.afa.org
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