The attack on Pearl Harbor killed more than 2,400 Americans.
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Sanders was honored during a ceremony held in downtown Charleston hosted by the American Legion’s John Brawley Post No. 20.
“This ceremony is to let America know that we still have a duty to remember this day, and those people, and their sacrifices and what they did for us”.
“I had no desire to come back”, he said, “but since this is the last time and last opportunity to position me to come on back, I’m glad to see all this old generation”.
Shortly after the event that thrust the U.S. into World War II, Harriett enlisted as a nurse in the U.S. Navy.
“We are gathered today to honor those who were lost during the surprise attack”, said Jonathan Williams, president and chief executive of the Pacific Battleship Center, the nonprofit that owns Battleship Iowa.
Mapou says he’s one of just a few survivors left in the state and the group was a bond like no other.
“It brings back some lousy memories”, said Irwin, of returning to Pearl Harbor.
Adm. Harry Harris spoke Monday during the 74th anniversary of the Japanese attacks on Pearl Harbor, which launched the US into World War II.
The Hoga fought fires for 72 consecutive hours after the attack, including fires from the battleship USS Arizona, which sunk with 1,177 of its crew killed, 23 of those being from Arkansas, according to the website pearl-harbor.com.
“I believe that there’s going to be more wars”, says Reverend Clark. “As those who were alive at the moment passed on, the subsequent events stole the attention of those who remained”, said Jim Bloom, a retired U.S. Navy captain and spokesman for the tribute. He also attended a wreath-dedication ceremony on the USS Arizona Memorial. But he comes to the annual ceremony because the attack was a “big thing in my life”.
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Five servicemen from Tioga County were stationed at Pearl Harbor when the attack happened. And he saw a lot more than just that “Day of Infamy” in Hawaii.
