STURGEON BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Thursday marked 82 years since the attack on Pearl Harbor.
On that day in 1941, Japanese forces conducted a two-hour air raid on the naval base in Hawaii.
2,400 service members and civilians died. The attack would ultimately pull the United States into World War Two.
“It was a terrible time for our nation and it should be remembered that we should be prepared for those unknowns that occur,” said Carlyle Hayes, World War Two Veteran.
Less than 1% of the 16 millions Americans who served in World War Two are still alive to give their accounts today.
In Northeast Wisconsin, a tribute at the Door County Maritime Museum included honoring someone who was at Pearl Harbor.
A low-altitude flyover set the stage Thursday morning for Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. Remarks from Sturgeon Bay Mayor David Ward opened the ceremony.
“Today is a day of remembrance. What is it that we should remember about December 7, 1941? First and foremost, we should remember the many brave soldiers, sailors, and airmen who fought and died on that infamous day. They live on as true heroes and protectors of the republic,” said Ward.
The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor brought America into World War Two. One of those survivors is Navy Veteran Rolland E. Briar. Bette Briar-Tilot is his daughter.
Pearl Harbor survivor Rolland Briar with his daughter Bette Briar-Tilot in Sturgeon Bay, December 7, 2023 (WLUK/Eric Peterson)
“This is my dad. He’s 101 and-a-half. And he’s a Pearl Harbor survivor. He was on the USS Whitney, which is a destroyer tender, when Pearl Harbor was bombed,” said Briar-Tilot of Green Bay.
Rolland Briar was recognized for his service during the ceremony.
“I want the kids to know what’s going on in our history. What happened, and to meet these people and appreciate them,” said Bette.
The ceremony included tolling bells, a rifle salute, and taps.
“We need to keep that day of infamy alive. And educate young people as they come along, and show that we do remember,” said Door County Maritime Museum Executive Director Kevin Osgood. “We will not forget the sacrifices that people made. And it’s one of the reasons why we can do what we want to do today.”
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