The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-12-08
Pearl Harbor EUents Topics of Discussion
 VFW Members 10 Celebrate VIndeaiion Of
 Infamous Attack Win Military Social Function

The fourth anniversary of Pearl Harbor yesterday was quietly ob- served throughout the city. Free movie day, offering free admission to bondbuyers, was the only event marking the beginning of World War II, as far as could be ascer- tained.
 Tonight the Wheeler Young post, Veterans of Foreign Wars, will sponsor 8 Pearl Harbor day mili- tary ball at Temple hall to mark the victorious vindication of the infamous attack on the peaceful port in the Hawaiian islands on De- cember 2, 1941.
 Late Presidents Voice
 The voice of the late President Franklin D. Roosevelt, delivering his historic "day of infamy" speech before the joint session of Congress. December 8, was broadcast several times yesterday in connection with bond sales appeal. AS the well-re- membered voice was broadcast once again, people everywhere looked back on the four chaotic years of the war. Particularly im- pressing were the closing words of the message to Congress of the great leader, who knew no fear: with confidence in our armed forces with unbounding determination of our people, we will gain the inevit- able triumph-so help us God. I ask that Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly at tack by Japan on Sunday, Decem- Der ', state of war existed between the United States and the Japan csc empire"
 Everywhere yesterday where groups congregated conversation touched upon the amazing events of the war and the unexpected end of the worldwide conflict in which an estimated 20 millions of people died. Standing on the threshold of the atomic age, many also specu- lated whether another World War would occur within the lifetime of those who experienced the bloody march of the forces of aggression.
 Imperishable Memory
 It was apparent that Pearl Har- bor will live forever in the memory of most. Minute details of the Jap aneSe attack on the pleasant Sum- day were discussed by everyone. One man related that when he was in- formed of the radio report by neighbor, he concluded it was an- other Orson Welles broadcast, such as one few months previously which frightened thousands of New Jersey residents. Others said they remained up until the early hours of the morning listening to the de- vlopments of the infamous attack in which 5000 persons were listed as casualties and many of Americas finest ships were destroyed.
 On that blue Monday, when Con- gresS declared state of war ex- tsted between American and Japan, commentators estimated that the war would last "at least three years" and 1t was probable Americas cas- ualties would reach one million.
 Waterbury'S industries, producing munitions for the nations defense program, were extending payrolls by the score daily. Up to December ', 1941, several thousand young men had already left Waterbury for training in camps mushrooming throughout the nation.
 The Democrat reported in its edi- tion of December that horde of volunteers appeared at the Navy Marine offices here ito beat of the assault of the enemy" Special po- lice were guarding the city's water systems. Simultaneously the local units of the National Guard were ordered to stand by, and guard de- tails were increased at local fac- tories to ward oil any attempts at sabotage.
 Opinions Vary
 While opinion varied as to the possibility of air attacks over the city, officials reported that no early danger was anticipated. The follow ing day Germany declared war on America and the Japanese struck at the Philippines with lighting speed.
 The president. who gave his life to the conflict just as GI Joe, de- clared that Victory could only be won by hard work and sacrifice"
 And though emotions were inter mingled yesterday as that dark era in Americas history was discussed by local residents, practically all were unanimous in agreement that the brilliant leadership of F. D. R. had been the great factor in the achievement of final Victory over the forces of Nazism.