On Wednesday, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) hall in San Angelo was the site of a poignant ceremony. This early gathering was organized to commemorate Pearl Harbor Day, a day of infamy that forever changed the course of history. The ceremony was a heartfelt tribute to the brave service members and innocent lives tragically lost during the surprise attack by Japanese forces on Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941.
Today we observe Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. 82 years ago, over 2,400 people died during the surprise attack by the Japanese at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. pic.twitter.com/XGpHUjRj9p
— ABC7 Eyewitness News (@ABC7) December 7, 2023
In the heart of San Angelo, a significant gathering took place at the local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) post. A solemn occasion to commemorate Pearl Harbor Day. The event, named “Veterans Program Remembrance,” was held.
Each year on Dec. 7, we observe Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. On this day in 1941, the Imperial Japanese Naval Air Service conducted a surprise attack on the Hawaiian naval station at Pearl Harbor, killing more than 2,400 Americans, sinking or damaging 15 naval vessels, and… pic.twitter.com/4W2b96j5Hu
— National Guard (@NationalGuard) December 7, 2023
“Many of us are aware that the incident that took place at Pearl Harbor was not just an attack, but a surprise military offensive carried out by the Imperial Japanese Navy. This unexpected strike was targeted at the United States Navy base situated in the serene surroundings of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii,” said Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col., John Muckleroy.
He added, “This event unfolded on a peaceful Sunday morning, on the 7th of December, 1941. It was a day that started like any other but ended up altering the course of history, leaving an indelible mark on our nation and the world at large.” His words served as a stark reminder of the event that propelled the United States into the throes of World War II.
The members of the Post have a deep respect for history, which is why they hold as many as 25 Veterans Program Remembrances (VPRs) each year.
Some veterans still vividly recall the emotions they experienced during the attack on Pearl Harbor. Despite the passage of time, the impact of that fateful day remains etched in their hearts.
“I remember my mother and father sitting around the tall Table Talk Radio. Probably an RCA, I don’t know. And listen to the president’s address. And there was a lot of worry in their mind. I know because they, they had a son that had just turned 21,” said Muckleroy.
The event culminated in a powerful moment, as quotes from then-President Franklin Roosevelt’s address to Congress were recited.
Lawrence Semik, the Quartermaster of the VFW in San Angelo, made a heartfelt appeal. He reminded us that the number of World War II veterans is dwindling with each passing year. These individuals, who once stood on the front lines of one of the most significant conflicts in human history, are a precious few.
Semik urged everyone to express their gratitude to these veterans if they come across one. Their service, their sacrifice, and their commitment to the cause of freedom and democracy are immeasurable. They have earned our respect and deserve our heartfelt thanks.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) in San Angelo warmly invite veterans, their families, and indeed, all members of the public to attend their presentations. These events serve as a platform for dialogue, learning, and mutual understanding.
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