Representative Scott DesJarlais (TN-04) issued the following statement on the 70^th anniversary of the attacks on Pearl Harbor:

Our nation places special importance and reverence on certain dates: July 4th, September 11th and today, December 7th.  

In the early morning hours of December 7th, 1941, our nation was attacked deliberately at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii leading the United States’ entry into World War II.

In response to this brutal attack, millions of Americans answered the nation’s call and enlisted in our armed forces. This greatest generation selflessly put their lives on the line defending our freedom in the faraway lands of Africa, Europe and the Pacific Islands. At home our fellow American’s did their part to ensure our success. Women joined the workforce to replace the men fighting overseas, families rationed essential products and businesses redesigned their factories to build machinery for the war effort. 

It this indomitable spirit and willingness to sacrifice that is ingrained in the in the collective conscious of our nation that serves to remind me that there is no obstacle too great for the American people to overcome.

In the fires of Pearl Harbor a nation was forged that would show the world that the principles of freedom, democracy and liberty will always triumph over evil and oppression.

On this day, let us not only remember those who lost their lives at Pearl Harbor, but give thanks to all who have or are currently wearing the uniform of the United States Military. We owe them much more than words can adequately describe.

God bless America and God bless our troops.