Up to six surviving American veterans of the 1941 Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor that thrust the United States into World War II are expected to be present at the former naval base in Honolulu on Thursday for memorial ceremonies on the 82nd anniversary, the Associated Press reports.
It’s not clear how many, if any, still-surviving Japanese of the attack will show up to celebrate their victory. On one hand you’ll certainly see a number of surviving American D-Day veterans in France next June when the 80th anniversary of that surprise attack rolls around. But probably not too many Germans. Or even none. The test of whether it’s appropriate to show up and hold a ceremony is “Did you guys actually win the war in the end?” and not what side of the surprise attack you were on.