Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Uifaatali Amata commemorated National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day (Dec. 7, 1941), noting that “each year, falling between Thanksgiving and Christmas, Pearl Harbor Day is a reminder of the sacrifices of the World War II generation that gave us so much. We have lived all these years in freedom because of their commitment. Despite the worldwide fighting, American Samoa only came under fire once.

As many of our people know, my father was stationed in Oahu on December 7, 1941, and is the only Samoan in the Army Infantry Hall of Fame at Fort Benning. In recounting what happened on December 7, 1941, Dad told me how he and some of his fellow soldiers who were stationed at Schofield Barracks, Oahu, upon hearing the planes, they jumped in their jeep and headed towards Pearl Harbor.

On the way they were strafed by a Japanese Zero. Dad received a medal from President George H.W. Bush at the 50th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor National Remembrance Day on Dec. 7, 1991, and I was thrilled to be able to accompany him. Today, it is a blessing to consider that Japan is a trusted ally and an important economic partner with the United States.

Thank you to all who serve.