On “December 7th, 1941, a date which will live in infamy,” as President Roosevelt called it, the United States Naval Base at Pearl Harbor was attacked. Today marks the 73rd anniversary of that attack.
As President of the United States and leader of the American People, FDR made no effort to hide the fact that extensive damage had been sustained and many lives had been lost. He united the country in its resolve to undertake the hardships and sacrifices required in wartime. But he was not the only Great Leader on December 7th and the days that followed.
Men and women in the armed forces stepped up and organized efforts to fight back; led efforts to rescue individuals whose lives were in peril; and, cared for those who were injured and wounded.
Civilians volunteered to serve in the military; organized and led to scrap metal drives; planted “victory gardens” in which they raised fresh fruits and vegetables; participated in “bond drives” so essential to the funding of the war effort;.
In the days following Pearl Harbor, the American people demonstrated that there is the potential to be a Great Leader in each of us; that, when circumstances require it, each of us is capable of leading others to do what is needed. Let us pause today to remember all of the “unsung leaders” of the Greatest Generation.
Tom Hoisington is a speaker, trainer, and author whose goal is to provide leaders and potential leaders with tools that empower them to build teams that are creative and cost effective along with a clearer understanding of how personality types interact within those teams. He can be contacted at tom.hoisington@eagleoneresources.com