December 14, 2020 - VFW Post 8904 and Auxiliary members gathered at the Center square before the Historic 1885 Courthouse in remembrance of Pearl Harbor Day on December 7, 2020, the 79th anniversary of the attack.
Larry Hume, Post Quartermaster, welcomed all present and Travis Snider, Post Chaplain, gave the opening prayer.
"It began when Japanese aircraft appeared in the air over Pearl Harbor, Hawaii just before 8am on a Sunday morning. When the attack ceased shortly before 10am, less than two hours after it began, American forces had paid a fearful price," said Hume.
He stated 18 ships were either damaged or sunk, 180 aircraft were destroyed, 2403 were dead and thousands of others wounded.
"Franklin D. Doosevelt spoke with forewarning words when he stated, 'No matter how long it may take us to overcomes the premeditated invasion, the American people, in their righteous might, will win through to absolute victory... with the unbounding determination of our people - we will gain the inevitable triumph - so help us God.'"
Hume then shared a Presidential proclamation: Now, therefore, I, Donald J. Trump, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim December 7, 2020, as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. I encourage all Americans to observe this solemn day of remembrance and to honor our military, past and present, with appropriate ceremonies and activities. I urge all Federal agencies and interested organizations, groups, and individuals to fly the flag of the United States at half-staff in honor of those American patriots who died as a result of their service at Pearl Harbor.
VFW Post member Richard Lundie then placed the memorial wreath and Taps was played as presented by Gene Hutto, Post Commander.
