Oakhurst, NJ — December 7 — On December 7, 1941, the Oakhurst Independent Hose Company No. 1 joined towns around the country in commemorating the attack on Pearl Harbour. The country entered World War II that morning when a surprise attack on American military personnel in Hawaii claimed the lives of about 2,400 Americans.

In his speech to Congress the next day, President Franklin D. Roosevelt referred to the date as "a date which will live in infamy." The U.S. Navy suffered severe losses as a result of the attack, including the battleship USS Arizona, and it demonstrated the bravery of service members who responded in trying circumstances. December 7 is a reminder of responsibility, sacrifice, and service—values that are common to the emergency services community, according to fire authorities.