Remembering Pearl Harbor

This presentation by historian Dick Campbell is a salute to the bravery and courage epitomized on the historic day, December 7 1941.

The attack at Pearl Harbor is the single event most often associated with World War II. For many Americans it symbolizes the evils that were victoriously overcome. But what actually happened 78 years ago on December 7, 1941? And what was the sequence of events that led to Japan’s brutal aggression? This presentation explores the historical relationship between Japan and the United States and details the beginning of our involvement in WWII. From the sinking of the battleship USS Arizona, to the creation of its unique floating monument at War’s end, this is a tribute to the men and women who served in the Pacific Theatre. It’s a salute to the bravery and courage epitomized on that historic day, and one we should always remember.

About the presenter

Dick Campbell doesn’t consider himself a historian, but rather a “student of history.” Dick remembers hearing about the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, when he was a child in Indiana and from that point forward he began scrapbooking anything he read about World War II. Dick attended Butler University and after graduating joined the U.S. Air Force as a pilot for the Strategic Air Command from 1955 to 1957, flying the KC-97. Following his service, he became a YMCA director for 35 years. Throughout this time, Dick never lost his fascination with history.

Beginning in 1999, Dick started to share his love for history with the public. Developing 13 different historic program presentations, which he calls “Great Moments in History,” Dick has shared these PowerPoint stories with more than 500 group meetings and organizations throughout Wisconsin over the last two decades. Ranging from Lewis and Clark’s expedition to the Pacific Ocean to the building of the Erie Canal to the story of the Wright brothers, Dick covers a wide variety of historic moments.