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Pearl Harbor was bombed seventy years ago today. My mom, Lillian Koroschetz, started a brand new diary on New Year's Eve, 1941 reflecting back on the previous year and the effects the barely three-week-old war was already having on the every-day lives of Americans.
See this link at Naval History and Heritage for a thumbnail sketch of why the attack in Hawaii was such a surprise and how it enraged and united Americans into a singular resolve to defeat Japan as well as the German Nazi and Italian Fascist regimes.
December 31, 1941 - 10:15 pm
By pure coincidence, I am beginning this book practically at the dawn of 1942. What will this New Year bring me––I wonder. For that matter what will it bring the world?
This has been a momentous year for the world, rather sad for the world, and a very good year for me. 1941 gave me great happiness with Fred.
December 7, 1941 brought the momentous bombing of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, that definitely entered the United States in the World War #2 in which, in my opinion, we were destined to enter since the repeal of the Arms Embargo Act. So far the war has not yet touched the great mass of us as much as it probably will have by 12-31-42. We already have a taste of it by the rapidly rising prices in everything, federal tax of 10% on luxuries ($1.65 "Nylons,") which, however give a tremendous amount of wear.
Automobile tires, too, are unobtainable for civilian use, and car production will be eliminated in favor of defense activities by the auto plants. I have a firm conviction there will be a severe depression in possibly 5 or 10 years and I am determined to save some money. I have a start now, $34.00 in postal savings. Also I buy 10 cent defense stamps. When I have saved sufficiently by way of these stamps, I shall buy an $18.75 defense bond.

Ever practical and pro-active, Lil was planning for how she would personally respond to the the war.

Next week: Lil's leaves the topic of war behind to prepare for New Year's Eve and be "damn mad" at Fred for not asking her out! 
We must never forget this day.

December 7, 2011 at 10:07 AM 
"...a date which will live in infamy..." Your mother was aware of what she need to do from the beginning. Unfortunately, I'm wondering if we should be thinking along the same lines today.

December 7, 2011 at 2:19 PM 
Sis, How momentous a moment mom (and you) captured here as seen through the eyes of a VERY young woman of just 24! The world still pivots on the consequences of this day 70 years ago. I am impressed by the sense of perspective mom had at such a young age. I wonder how many today of 24 would be able to write something like this about today's events? The referenced site is filled with chilling photos...even for history buffs like me. "Freedom" is a never ending battle between those with power and those with less...always needing renewal by the next gen...isn't it? We see it in 2011 in yet a new format and challenge. Good show! Paul

December 7, 2011 at 7:43 PM 
Thanks to all for comments on this anniversary that changed our country, our families, and our world. It will soon be only in the history books. I read that the WWII vets from Pearl Harbor will now end their yearly get-togethers. All dead or in nursing homes. it was a front page item on NYT today, but the stories will get smaller and smaller.

December 7, 2011 at 10:35 PM 
Linda, this truly is a day for focus on your story. My mother, age 84, remembers it well, as do all those who remain of her generation.

Hope you saw that Terry Helwig answered your question, and I tossed you a link on 100memoirs.

December 12, 2011 at 9:35 AM