Veterans Journal: Dec. 7 Commemorates Lives Lost at Pearl Harbor
National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, observed annually on Dec. 7, commemorates the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, when many American servicemen and women lost their lives or were injured. The U.S. flag should be flown at half-staff to honor those who died in the attack. Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day is not a federal holiday.
On that Sunday morning, the American Army and Navy base in Pearl Harbor was targeted by the Imperial Japanese Navy in a surprise attack that led to great loss of life and equipment. More than 2,000 Americans were killed and more than 1,000 were injured. A large number of the U.S. Navys battleships and nearly 200 aircraft were sunk or destroyed.
The Japanese military had hoped that the attack on Pearl Harbor would prevent the United States from increasing its influence in the Pacific, but it led to the escalation of World War II. In fact, on Dec. 8, the United States declared war on Japan and so entered World War II. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, in a speech to Congress, stated that the bombing of Pearl Harbor was a date which will live in infamy.
In 1991, on the 50th anniversary of the attack, Congress established the Pearl Harbor Commemorative Medal, which was awarded to any veteran of the United States military in or around Pearl Harbor during the attack. The medal was also awarded to American civilians killed or injured in the attack.
VA health official
in Phoenix removed
The Department of Veterans Affairs formally removed Sharon Helman, the director of the Phoenix VA Healthcare System, from federal service on Nov. 24. This decision followed an investigation by the VA Office of Inspector General in which allegations of lack of oversight and other misconduct were substantiated.
This action is part of a much broader investigation of dubious VA appointment practices for veterans and inaccurate, fraudulent record-keeping that may have led to the death of veterans waiting too long for medical appointments at VA facilities. The VA said Helmans removal underscores its commitment to hold leaders accountable and ensure that enrolled veterans have access to quality and timely care.
The Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, an outspoken critic of the VAs health-care transgressions, applauded the action, saying VA Secretary Bob McDonald has asserted that veterans enrolled in the VA system deserve accountability and rapid change after the abysmal failures that outraged the nation. The IAVA also said, This is just one step on the long road to restoring trust across the system. We hope to see more people held accountable nationwide and look forward to learning the outcome of multiple ongoing criminal investigations.
R.I. Army group gains national recognition
The Rhode Island Chapter of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) was recently honored as the best chapter in its size category, 250 to 499 members, for the 2013-2014 operational year. AUSA is a professional organization that works to support the Army and to protect the rights and benefits of soldiers and their families, whether active duty, Reserve/National Guard, or retired.
Chapter president Bob Galvanin and his wife, Pat, represented the chapter at the recent AUSA National Conference and accepted the Best Chapter banner.
Special recognition was also given to corporate member Banneker Industries Inc., of North Smithfield, and Norma Ferri and Pat Galvanin for their continued support of the chapters efforts, along with all other executive board members.
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