Sixty-five years ago today, people around the world reacted with emotions of anger, fear and uncertainty upon hearing the news that Japanese forces had engineered a successful surprise attack on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

The move toward a second world war, which had been under way for several years in Europe and in the Pacific, on that morning surpassed the point at which this country could allow itself to remain on the sidelines any longer — not only in the Pacific but also in regard to Germany's and Italy's aggressions in Europe.

Families in Butler County and throughout the rest of the United States pondered their futures and what challenges and sacrifices they might face. Young men here and elsewhere prepared to join the fight, realizing that some would not survive to see the final outcome of the military struggle.

Americans could do little but place their trust in their leader, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who assured the nation that "absolute victory" would be achieved.

World War II military personnel who have survived the passage of 65 years since Dec. 7, 1941 — what Roosevelt labeled "a day which will live in infamy" — still deserve the respect and admiration of all as they experience the twilight of their lives.

They were heroes then; they are heroes now. They will be recognized and honored in observances being held today to mark the start of the fight — that fight aimed at ridding the world of the tyranny that was spreading on many different fronts.

Visitors to the Butler Eagle have the opportunity to see the front page of the Dec. 8, 1941, edition. (Because Dec. 7 was a Sunday that year, the Eagle did not publish an edition on the day of the attack.)

That Dec. 8 page contains a two-line banner headline in large, bold capital letters reading "Congress votes war resolution after President Roosevelt asks for action."

By Dec. 8, news of the attack on Pearl Harbor was being relegated to second position on front pages as that story was being eclipsed by important new developments, most notably Roosevelt's appearance before Congress, during which he not only sought a declaration of war, but also sought to assure the nation that victory would be forthcoming.

Also on the front page of that edition were stories about the British declaration of war on Japan in response to the Pearl Harbor attack, about Tokyo troops in South Thailand and Japanese forces bombing Singapore, and about Butler County service personnel serving in Hawaii.

The story listing this county's fighting personnel known to be stationed in Hawaii or the Philippine Islands that day focused initially on Capt. Donald C. Cubbison Jr. of Harrisville and Lt. John M. McCormick of Butler. Also listed on that front page were George W. Hallberg of West Sunbury R. D. 1, Howard L. Huselton of Butler R. D. 2, John F. Dorondo of Butler R. D. 6, Daniel M. Reddick of Lyndora, Walter L. Jackson of Chicora, John D. Lachesky of Butler and Leonard R. Magala of Butler; the list continued on Page 11 of that edition.

Roosevelt, in his war message to Congress, said, "The United States was at peace with that nation and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its government and its emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific."

The president said later, "The Japanese government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace."

Sixty-five years later, the United States is not in a fight for its very existence, but the missions of today are battling mind-sets not unlike what existed on Dec. 7, 1941. As it was in the 1940s, Earth still is a troubled planet; anger, fear and uncertainty continue to prevail.

The brave military personnel of World War II strengthened the foundation on which this country rests. Americans continue to owe them a debt of great gratitude.

Sixty-five years from today, it is to be hoped that Americans not only will remember Pearl Harbor, but also what hopefully will be the successful efforts today aimed at bringing peace to the troubled Middle East.