WASHINGTON—DNC Veterans and Military Family Council Chair Don Fowler issued the following statement in commemoration of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day:

“Today we remember December 7, 1941, when the United States of America was attacked without provocation at Pearl Harbor, bringing our nation into World War II. Seventy-four years later, it is still a day that lives in infamy. More than 2,400 Americans were killed including 2,008 Sailors, 218 Soldiers and Airmen, 109 Marines, and 68 civilians, and more than 1,100 were wounded, marking the deadliest foreign attack on American soil until September 11. Despite being caught by surprise, the heroes of December 7 fought back and didn’t back down, and both those who survived and those who perished showed a courage that inspired all Americans with their bravery and sacrifice.

“They set the tone for the Greatest Generation who answered the call to defend our nation. When our troops came home, we thanked them and fulfilled our commitment to honor their service with the G.I. Bill., which educated millions and helped build a booming middle class.  

“As we continue to face enemies today, we draw courage and strength from those who have defended this country before. We must honor the sacrifices of all those who fought by ensuring we are keeping America’s promise to the veterans of the 9/11 Generation.

“As Democrats, we will continue to fight for speedy access to quality healthcare for our veterans, including mental healthcare, and we will fight to end veterans’ homelessness. We are committed to our veterans’ education and employment when they leave active duty, and we’re proud of the strides we have made for our veterans and their families. The Post-9/11 G.I. Bill has helped veterans to attain a college degree and we have continued further investments in veterans job training. Today, we remember the heroism of our Greatest Generation while rededicating ourselves to future generations of troops and veterans.

“And we must continue to send our troops into harm’s way only as a last resort, not as a knee-jerk reaction.”

Don Fowler is a retired colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve and co-chairman of the Veterans and Military Families Council of the Democratic National Committee. He previously served as National Chairman of the DNC from 1995 to 1997.  He is a graduate of the U.S. Army War College and holds a Ph.D. from the University of Kentucky. He has taught at the University of South Carolina since 1964 and is currently a Fellow within The Citadel’s Department of Political Science.