Pearl Harbor
We remember on this day, 70 years ago, when the Japanese attacked the United States naval base in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. On December 7, 1941, the country was devastated by the surprise attack by the Japanese, the loss of 1,177 crewmen of the USS Arizona Battleship, and the many more who were injured.
A year after the attack, in December 1942, the Lutheran Witness remembered the event and included this telegram message sent two days after the attack. The message was sent from Pres. Behnken to the President of the United States. In the telegram, Pres. Behnken shares this message:
“We, the President and Vice-Presidents of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Missouri, Ohio, and other states, in session in Chicago, assure you of our prayers in this hour of national emergency cause by the treacherous attack of the enemy, and on the basis of Romans, chapter thirteen, pledge to you the loyal support of our people in the defense of our country. ” – J.W. Behnken, President of Synod
Gracious God and Father, Your Son, Jesus Christ, came to bring us heavenly peace. Yet we are reminded on this anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attacks that violence and conflict still rage among Your children on earth. Grant that we all may live together in unity and peace, and let all hatred and ill will be remembered no more. Give us that peace which the world cannot give, and grant us grace that, delivered from all conflict and strife, we may live in harmony and safety and finally, having gained the eternal rest of the saints in glory, may praise and bless, worship and glorify You forever; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
-Barb Below
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