(RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN) Rutherford County is a great place for veterans, and every day WGNS honors those who served in country's military. This day is one of those that promotes a spirit of Americanism and flag waving. On December 7, 1941 the Japanese began a series of attacks that started with Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and spread-out over the Pacific to include many islands as well as American ships between California and Hawaii--all within a short period of time.
FDR's Pearl Harbor speech
President Franklin D. Roosevelt was just finishing his lunch on December 7, 1941. The White House and communities around the world were preparing for Christmas, when word arrived of a horrific attack on the base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. It was just before 8:00AM Hawaii time when FDR's lunch was disrupted with this shocking news.
For the remainder of that day and through the night, the president and his staff gathered information in preparation for declaring war on Japan the next day.
He delivered the famous "Day of Infamy" speech to a joint session of congress the next day, December 8, 1941.
The next day, President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared, "Yesterday was a day that will live in infamy". That was 80-years ago!
Rutherford County Has Services for Veterans
- Alvin C. York V.A. Medical Center
- Fisher House at the VA serves families of veterans there for long-term medical treatments
- Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center at Middle Tennessee State University
- The Army Aviation Support Facility at the Smyrna-Rutherford County Airport is the home of the Tennessee Army National Guard's helicopter Unit
Specials guests on the WGNS Action Line (12/7/2021)
Retired Navy Phil Barnett: He is very active in local veteran circles, and Phil has also done much in current times at Pearl Harbor. He has some interesting stories to share.
MTSU's Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center Director Hilary Miller: She tells about the many services offered to military students.
