Today, December 7th, we honor the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Regardless of age, the title of this blog in a quote by Franklin Roosevelt that is difficult to forget. As a nation, it has been forged into our psyche. We remember parents, and grandparents, talking about the effect of this day on their lives and families. This date is proof that a moment in time, such as the attack on Pearl Harbor, can change the course of history and human events.
As teachers it is a moment to discuss with students the magnitude of a single event that has the power the completely alter an average citizens way of life. For example, my grandfather was your average eighteen year old boy in 1941 who enlisted to be in the Navy the day after the Pearl Harbor attack and his story is not unique. One great resource is to show students the propaganda that was created due to this event. Here at HSP, we have an incredible collection of WWII posters. When students are examining them, ask them the general theme, as well as who the poster was made for. Was it meant for women, men, or children? Was it meant to incite disgust toward a specific group of individuals?
Also, if you wish to take it one step further, you can compare the effect of the Pearl Harbor attack to the effect of the attack on 9/11. Even if your students were not alive on 9/11/01, their parents were, and it is a unique opportunity to see how one event can stay in the memory of a generation and continue to effect a nation many years later.
If you wish to check out these resources, or any of our other resources, please contact Alicia Parks at aparks@hsp.org to set up a field trip or outreach program this spring.