The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
PEARL HARBOR: HOW AMERICA REMEMBERED
PEARL HARBOR, HAWAII
Thousands observed — a moment of silence and watched jets streak across the clear blue sky at a ceremony Wednesday at Pearl Harbor marking the 75th anniversary of the attack that plunged the United States into World War II and left more than 2,300 soldiers, sailors and Marines dead.
The crowd bowed their heads at the precise moment decades ago when Japanese planes began their assault on the U.S. naval base at the harbor. And they stood and applauded when a few dozen survivors joined active-duty servicemen and women and National Park Service rangers in dedicating wreaths to those killed.
Attendees also gave a lengthy ovation to Adm. Harry Harris of the U.S. Pacific Command when he spoke in favor of standing for the national anthem. Some protesters of police killings of black men have taken to kneeling during the anthem.
“You can bet that the men and women we honor today — and those who died that fateful morning 75 years ago — never took a knee and never failed to stand whenever they heard our national anthem being played,” Harris said, drawing nearly a minute of applause, whistles and whoops.
The anniversary is a tribute to “what freedom does when it is faced with fascism,” said Paul Hilliard of the National World War II Museum.
“America went abroad to gain freedom for millions of other people,” said Hilliard, a Marine veteran and one of several dignitaries and officials who presented wreaths for the fallen at a memorial over the sunken hull of the USS Arizona. “We are kind of unique. We are an exceptional nation.”
Wednesday’s ceremony started with the USS Halsey sounding its whistle to mark the start of the moment of silence at 7:55 a.m. It ended with F-22 fighter jets flying in formation overhead.
The event wrapped up with Marines firing a gun salute and the Pacific Fleet band playing taps.
Laura Stoller accompanied her adoptive grandfather and Pearl Harbor survivor Stan VanHoose of Beloit, Wis., to the ceremony. At one point, she watched as crowds jostled for autographs and photos with survivors.
“All of these men who for so long didn’t get the recognition they deserve— they’re soaking it up. And it’s so fun to see,” Stoller said.
Pearl Harbor events also took place across the country Wednesday. In Texas, hundreds of well-wishers applauded World War II veterans George H.W. Bush and Bob Dole during a patriotic ceremony. A tattered U.S. flag that flew at Pearl Harbor was on display at an Ohio museum, and dozens of World War II veterans in the Cincinnati region recounted their experiences for high school students.
President Barack Obama issued a statement saying he and first lady Michelle Obama join Americans in remembering those who gave their lives Dec. 7, 1941.
The president said he will visit the USS Arizona Memorial this month with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan.