Remembering Pearl Harbor
To the editor:
National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, which is annually on Dec. 7, commemorates the attack on Pearl Harbor, in Hawaii, during World War II. Many American service men and women lost their lives or were injured on Dec. 7, 1941. Many associations, especially those linked with Pearl Harbor survivors or those who died from the attack, participate in special services to commemorate the event. Memorial services are held at venues such as the USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor.
Today (Dec. 7) I attended the Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day ceremony at the Greater Pine Island Veterans of Foreign War Post 4353 located on Stringfellow Road in St. James City as I have done in Florida since my father passed away in 2005. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps on Dec. 8, 1941, and served our country until returning home from the Pacific Far East in 1946. My wife’s father also served in the U.S. Army during the war. While they were not at Pearl Harbor that day, it greatly affected our lives as during the war they both met and married our mothers and started the great American Dream of raising a family in the home of the free so, this day means a lot to me and my family.
Today’s activities included a wreath-laying ceremony and a fine luncheon but I was most impressed by the keynote speeches. VFW Post Commander Tom Ferguson invited four of the active community organizations on Pine Island to attend and speak to the gathering. I have to say I have never seen such a display of comradeship between these organizations on the island and it made me proud to be a member of the Greater Pine Island VFW. Ms. Judy Hopkins represented the Elks; Mr. Tom Akers represented the Moose; Mr. Ed Mitchell represented the American Legion; and Tom represented the VFW. Thankfully, the morning rain gave us a break and the speeches were short but I could sense the appreciation of each speaker to be there representing their organization. The small crowd was supportive and enthusiastic. It is my hope that we continue this tradition in the future where all our community organizations can bond together in support of each other.
Gary Lufriu
Bokeelia
Trustee VFW Post 4353