Argumentative Essay: I Believe In The United States

The attack on Pearl Harbor resulted in a total loss of 2,343 casualties. A total number of servicemen killed was 2,335 and 1,143 were wounded, a total of sixty-eight civilians were also killed as well as thirty-five men

September 11, 2001 is a day that shook the United States to its core. Millions of Americans felt the pain, the loss, and the anger that came with the attack on their nation. It was a day of mourning, and when it comes to days of mourning it is difficult putting one’s pain into words. However, Leonard Pitts Jr. was able to move past the emotion. He put into his words, not only his own feelings, but the feelings of an entire nation. Pitts conveys the emotion felt after the terror attacks in his essay “Sept. 12, 2001: We’ll go forward from this moment” through his mournful, angry, and righteous tone.

September 11, 2001 was not just any ordinary day for the citizens of the United States and the city of New York, but a devastating attack that has put us all in shock and fear. As all of you know, the Tuesday that this country was ambushed and attacked destructively by terrorists, was one of the saddest days America has ever seen. Not only did it affect the people that were in the World Trade Center Towers and the loved ones who unfortunately passed away, but it affected our country as a whole. Scared, devastated, astonished, and surprised are just a few words that begin to describe September 11th. As separate states and people, I can confidently say that America has never been closer together as one than on that

One of the most detrimental and traumatic events of United States history involves the terrorist attacks on the day of September 11th, in 2001. September 11th is a day countless Americans will never forget. Because our nation encountered such a horrific attack, it was up to our president during the time, President George W. Bush, to address the country. Many Americans suffered loss and fear; therefore, former President George Bush’s goal was to heal and comfort the nation by persuading them to see the light within the darkness. Bush’s speech was a success because he showed America’s togetherness and solidarity by creating an emotional connection to the audience; moreover, by responding appropriately to the attacks, he presented himself with a leadership and role no one else could take.

September 11, 2001 was a very tragic day but at the same time a very heart shaping experience. The men and women who ran into burning building trying to help the helpless had great courage and personal honor. Every person that had been hurt or killed during this horrific ordeal were rescued and treated as needed. The fallen rescuers did not even think of their own lives, just the people who needed the help. The personal honor that drives a man to search for up to 18 hours straight, looking for any sign of life, honors those lost, and honors his country.

On September 11th, 2001, tragedy struck America with the attacks on the Twin Towers and on the Pentagon. Not only did tens of thousands of New Yorkers see these atrocities firsthand but, millions of viewers watched in horror on the news; witnessing their nation under attack. Hundreds of terrified civilians ran from the carnage, however there were some who ran toward the collapsing buildings to save innocent lives. President George W. Bush stood with the fire fighters, the police and other first responders holding the flag of his nation and gave his address to the mourning citizens of the United States. He mainly used the strategies of ethos and pathos to try to comfort the American people and also have them rise and fight against the terror.

December 7th, 1941, was the day 2,403 Americans lost their lives and 1,200 wounded during the Japanese air raid, on Pearl Harbor. On this day, the US Navy lost almost the entire Pacific Fleet in the harbor. After the attack, all the ships were either sunk or severally damaged minus the aircraft carriers. The aircraft carriers luckily were still at sea. The total number of military personnel killed was 2,335, including 2,008 navy personnel, 109 marines, and 218 army. Added to this were 68 civilians, making the total 2403 people dead. 1,177 men alone were from the USS Arizona.

More than 2800 United States citizens, both military and civilian, lost their lives and over 1100 were wounded on December 7, 1941. In addition, over 340 ships and aircraft were sunk or damaged in the waters of Pearl Harbor on that day (National Park Service, n.d.) (See Appendix A for chart of casualties).

When the attack on Pearl Harbor was over, many people died or they suffered critical injuries. Moreover,the attack was a complete surprise to the citizens that live in Fort Island. According to,(www.history.com) the attack took around 10 minutes. Also,”the total number of military personnel killed was 2,335”(visitpearlharbor.org). There was also, “2,008 navy personnel, 109 marines, and 218 army”(visitpearlharbor.org). Additionally, there was “68 civilians” that died with most of them were from the USS Arizona by 1,177 people (visitpearlharbor.org). Not to mention,the amount of people who were injured “came in 1,143” (visitpearlharbor.org). In addition,the “Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor crippled or destroyed nearly 20 American ships” (www.history.com).

September 11, 2001 was a horrible day. But there are lessons to be learned. We never know what the future holds or when we may leave this earth. We need to live each day showing compassion and care for others. I ask that we remember all the people whose lives were taken, and their families. We also need to thank the people who protect us everyday to keep this tragedy from repeating itself. Please thank your families, friends, and the people who serve this country and protect us from evil.

“On September 11th I was at work. Everyone was eating breakfast, when they turned on the television we saw the explosions, all those dead people, we were shocked… The first thing I thought of was their families, how would they feel knowing their mom, dad, daughter, son, brother, sister, etc. wasn’t going to come back home? I felt really sad about all those people that died. My thoughts now on the 15th anniversary are the sadness all these years of the people who lost a family member also the respect we have for them.”

In the battle of Pearl Harbor 2,335 serviceman died that day because of the japanese. Luckily the attack did not last as long as you think it would have, the attack only lasted about 2 hours.Did you know that most people call it pearl harbor but the actual name is The Battle of Pearl Harbor.Americans today are so grateful for what people did and what they went through.

It was estimated that there were roughly around 2,403 American’s killed as well with 1,200 wounded/injured. (Quotes- Japanese Admiral Yamamoto: (before the attack) "If I am told to fight regardless of consequences, I shall run wild considerably for the first 6 months or a year but I have utterly no confidence for the second or third years".) (Quote 2 - US Navy Admiral "Bull" Halsey: (after the attack) "Before we're through with them the Japanese language will be spoken only in hell". Because of the attack on Pearl Harbour, the amount of buildings that was lost due to the Pearl Harbor bombing. Likewise several naval bases were lost, as well as hospitals, houses etc.

Within the horrible tragedies of pearl harbor over 1,177 people died because of the attacks. many students here today would tell you they do not care about the events that took place on this day but just because we weren’t there doesn’t mean we can’t just know happened on that day. December 7, 2011 marks the 70th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack in which over 2,400 members of the United States military were killed. Picture taken December 7, 1941. The USS Arizona, pictured here, sunk after being bombed. 1,177 service members on board were killed.

The Speech given on September 14th, 2001 was nothing but strongly thought out and moving. After the events taken on September 11th, President George W. Bush appeared at The National Cathedral in Washington DC to address the events giving what comfort he can to the families of the men, women, and children that were lost on that day. " So many have suffered so great a loss, and today we express our nations sorrow."