Friday, January 17, 2025
Veterans with American Legion Post 303 in Rockville Centre gathered at the Mill River Park Complex on Saturday to commemorate the 83rd anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor.
The ceremony honored the 2,403 Americans who lost their lives on Dec. 7, 1941, and celebrated the resilience of the United States in the face of the tragedy that propelled the nation into World War II.
The surprise attack by Japanese forces struck the U.S. naval base in Hawaii just before 8 a.m., killing more than 2,400 Americans and wounding nearly 1,200. Eight battleships were damaged, four of which sank, including the USS Arizona, which remains underwater as a memorial to the officers and crew who perished.
Father Michael Duffy, rector of St. Agnes Cathedral, opened the ceremony with an invocation, urging attendees to reflect on the day’s significance.
“We remember those who died on this awful day and their service to this great nation of ours,” Duffy said. “May their memory be a source of comfort to those of us who remain, and may we carry on the mantle of service to our nation.”
Rockville Centre Village Trustee Gregory Shaughnessy reflected on the enduring impact of Pearl Harbor and the words of President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
“President Roosevelt stood before Congress and called December 7, 1941, ‘a date which will live in infamy,’” Shaughnessy said. “Those words seared into the hearts of Americans, as our innocence and sense of security were ripped from us. An enemy had come into our home and attacked us as we slept, and our national innocence was lost.”
Shaughnessy described Pearl Harbor not just as a moment of tragedy but as a defining turning point in American history.
“Today, we come together to remember and honor all those who were lost during that brief but deadly attack,” he said. “However, we also come together to honor the resilience of the American spirit. For even though we mourn, our nation rose up and fought back. We showed the world why the United States of America is the greatest nation on Earth.”
He also reminisced about former Mayor Eugene Murray’s memories of hearing Roosevelt’s address.
“Very soon after, he, along with others of the Greatest Generation, responded with strength and resolve to defend our country,” Shaughnessy said.
Frank Colón, commander of American Legion Post 303, emphasized the courage displayed during and after the attack.
“This day should be equally recalled as a date of bravery,” Colón said. “Efforts are still being made to identify the remains of those who were lost, ensuring they may be returned to their families. We honor the survivors and the brave men whose numbers are so few today.”
Colón highlighted the numerous medals of valor awarded to servicemen after the attack, including 15 Medals of Honor, 51 Navy Crosses, and 53 Silver Stars.
The ceremony concluded with a benediction from Chaplain Mark Gettman, who urged future generations to carry forward the lessons of Pearl Harbor.
“As we reflect on December 7, 1941, we pray for the wisdom to carry forward the lessons of that day into our future,” Gettman said. “Help us to see in the story of Pearl Harbor not just a moment of tragedy, but a testament to human resilience, to the power of unity, and to the triumph of hope over despair.”
He called on educators, families, and communities to ensure the memory of Pearl Harbor remains alive.
Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day is not a federal holiday but is observed nationwide by flying the American flag at half-staff until sunset. The annual observance serves as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made that day and the resilience that followed.
To learn more about Pearl Harbor, World War II, and the memorials dedicated to the USS Arizona, USS Oklahoma, and USS Utah, visit NPS.gov or NationalWW2Museum.org.
