Date: Fri 11-Dec-1998

Publication: Bee

Author: STEVEB

Quick Words:

VFW-Pearl-Harbor-Day

Full Text:

Local Vets Remember Pearl Harbor Day

(with cuts)

BY STEVE BIGHAM

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 308 held a brief ceremony in commemoration

of Pearl Harbor Day Tuesday night -- the 57th anniversary of the Japanese

attack which signaled the United States' entry in World War II.

Assisting the VFW at the ceremony were members of Boy Scout Troop 770,

sponsored by the Newtown Congregational Church. The event took place at the

Charles Howard Peck Sr & Jr and Eric G. Blantin Post on Tinkerfield Road.

In all, 2,403 Americans were killed during the Pearl Harbor raid.

As past post commander Donald Monckton said that the sacrifices made by the

men who fought for freedom "shall remain alive in our memories for generations

to come."

According to the VFW, 16 million American soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines,

and coast guardsmen fought from one end of the globe to the other between 1941

and 1945. Over a quarter of a million never returned home alive. The nation's

sacrifice was almost one million dead and wounded. The total price paid for

freedom by the allied forces was close to 17 million.

During the ceremony, Mr Monckton urged Americans never to forget the

significance of the attack on Pearl Harbor. It united America, he said,

solidifying a mood of determination and dedication, which has made the US the

leading military, economic, and political power in the world today.

"More than 50 nations now enjoy freedom non-existent 50 years ago. World War

II's legacy ensured the rights of humanity, allowing freedom and dignity to

prosper throughout most of the world.

Post Commander Peck closed the ceremony by draping the post's charter with a

black cloth.