We might be forgiven as we contend with hostile nations with nuclear capability or intent, nations like North Korea or Iran, to see a glass half empty and become consumed with fears of another Pearl Harbor-like attack potentially so much more catastrophic and deadly than the one in 1941.īut that would be a mistake as with some of the fortitude our parents and grandparents showed, we can now count new allies as our partners, not just Japan but also-and equally stunningly-Germany. Which is another lesson from the post World War II era, to be on the lookout for not just challenges and dangers, but for unexpected opportunities. So against all odds, the attack on Pearl Harbor has been transformed from a great evil to a great good, and as we face great challenges around the world, and particularly in Asia, we can be grateful to have our Japanese friends standing with by our side. And also this year the Lockheed Martin plant in Fort Worth has started to produce the F-35s Japan is purchasing to bolster its defenses against increasing regional aggression from China and North Korea.
It is a tribute to both the Japanese and the American people that we have been able to not ignore or whitewash the past, but learn from it, and come to the understanding that we are so much stronger as allies than as adversaries.Īs a Texan, I’m personally appreciative of the fruits of this alliance-we host a range of Japanese companies who have invested in our state, with Toyota, for example, building its new North American headquarters in Plano this year and creating some 4,000 new jobs.
We can also find much to be thankful for today as what had seemed unthinkable has come to pass-that a nation that brutally attacked us seventy-five years ago can now be a great and good friend. They are leaving us now, making it all the more important that we assure each and every one of them of our boundless thanks while we still can.
#DAY OF INFAMY DAY OF DEFEAT FREE#
Or a pathological liar.īut here we are, three-quarters of a century later, and the Day of Infamy has become a day for remembrance, reflection and above all gratitude-gratitude for that greatest of generations who answered the call to service after Pearl Harbor, who stood staunchly with our allies, looked the evil of the Axis squarely in the eye and saved the free world. To think that if on DecemI was to tell you Japan would be on Decema staunchly democratic ally, a vital security and economic partner to the United States-you would have said I was barking mad. And then, when victory was secure, to bring them back into the community of civilized nations. The great lesson of Pearl Harbor-and more broadly of World War II-was America’s commitment to utterly defeat our enemies by whatever means necessary. On this Pearl Harbor Day we should learn the lessons of the past, and seize new opportunities for America in Asia and beyond.
#DAY OF INFAMY DAY OF DEFEAT FULL#
Cruz’s speech may be viewed here and the full text of his remarks as delivered is below: That’s enough to make all of us hopeful.” Quite frankly, I think talking to President Tsai, not President Rouhani, was a material improvement for the national security interests of the United States, and it demonstrates renewed resolve to assume once more the mantle of leadership. Yet, the past month affords ample reason to hope. Such leadership has been sorely lacking in the past eight years. Leadership to discern moral from immoral, freedom from tyranny, right from wrong, life from death – and then to fight for the right. There is a discrete reason these nations are now aligned allies: the persistence and resolve of American leadership. Our friendship with Japan, as well as Germany, Israel, the Czech Republic and Poland, make me hopeful.
They are leaving us now, making it all the more important that we assure each and every one of them of our boundless thanks while we still can.”Ĭruz concluded: “I want to leave you with a message of hope. “Gratitude for that greatest of generations who answered the call to service after Pearl Harbor, who stood staunchly with our allies, looked the evil of the Axis squarely in the eye and saved the free world. “.Here we are, three-quarters of a century later, and the Day of Infamy has become a day for remembrance, reflection and above all gratitude,” said Sen. Senate commemorating the seventy-fifth anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and heralding the arrival of a new administration that embraces our allies and demonstrates renewed resolve to assume once more the mantle of leadership. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today delivered a speech on the floor of the U.S.