Pearl Harbor was remembered by a slew of American Legion posts recently.
On Monday, December 7, local veterans and residents gathered at three different remembrance day ceremonies for the 74-year anniversary of the attacks on Pearl Harbor.
Three Throggs Neck posts, the Silver Beach American Legion Post 1371, the Theodore Korony American Legion Post 253 and the Throggs Neck Memorial American Legion Post 1456 each held ceremonies in honor of the anniversary of the events that led th United States into World War II.
At the Theodore Korony American Legion Post 253 ceremony in Bicentennial Veteran’s Park at Weir Creek, Silver Beach American Legion Post 1371 vice commander Richie Ardisson spoke about the facts and history of Pearl Harbor, which was attacked by 353 Japanese fighter planes, bombers and torpedo plans in two waves, which were launched from six aircraft carriers.
Almost 200 United States aircrafts were destroyed while 18 ships were either sunk or ran aground during the attacks.
In addition, Ardisson talked about the 2,403 Americans who were killed and 1,178 Americans were wounded, as well as the simultaneous attacks that took place in the Philippines, Singapore, Hong Kong and the British Empire in Malaysia.
He also mentioned the 15 Metals of Honor, 51 Navy Crosses, 53 Silver Stars, four Navy and Marine Corp metals and three Bronze Stars that were awarded following the attacks, among others who were awarded for their roles during the World War II event.
“The average age for a (World War II) veteran is 94, and younger generations forget about the incidents that took place during this very important day and time in our nation’s history,” said Ardisson. “This ceremony has a great purpose for those younger generations, young adults and even adolescents who may not be fully educated regarding what happened in Pearl Harbor during that time without a school history book – so this event has a very important meaning.”
“It’s very important that we not only remember, but also recognize, how (Americans) obtained freedom and liberties – from the ultimate sacrifice of veterans and patriots who came together and fought to give us those privileges,” said veteran Patrick Devine, who laid the wreath at the end of the ceremony. “We (Americans) must always remember that freedom is not necessarily free, and it should definitely not be taken for granted.”
