Seventy-three years ago to the day, the Japanese military surprised Americans with an air attack that morning against the naval base Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. The destruction caused by the planes’ bombs and gunfire included more than 2,400 Americans killed, at least 1,100 people wounded, and 200-plus planes and ships destroyed, including the U.S.S. Arizona.

The carnage shocked the people of the United States, and inspired President Franklin Roosevelt to declare “Dec. 7, 1941, a date which will live in infamy” when he spoke to both houses of Congress the next day. From that, the United States officially declared war against Japan.

You know the rest of the story.

America soon found itself fighting not only in the Pacific Theatre, but also the European Theatre. Four years later, the Allies ultimately won first against the Nazi forces, and then defeated the Japanese.

Since that time, the United States has not only healed internally, but also built a new and friendly relationship with the former Axis power.

But we should still remember Pearl Harbor Day to commemorate and honor the valiant actions of those men and women who fought — and died — to defend the country that day.

We should remember Pearl Harbor Day as a time to remember that a strong defense of the United States is not to be diminished or dismissed.