PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii -- Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, and Airmen joined together in honor of the 73rd anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, in a commemoration memorial ceremony, hosted by The National Park Service and the U.S. Navy, December 7.
During the event a service member from each branch of service had the honor of participating in a wreath laying ceremony during the memorial service. On behalf of the Army was a Non-commissioned Officer from the 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, who describes the commemoration ceremony as memorable.
"It was definitely an honor to be a part of this ceremony. The survivors of the attack on Pearl Harbor 73 years ago sacrificed a lot and lost many friends and family. This ceremony paid tribute to their sacrifices and I am extremely thankful that I was able to be a part of it" said Staff Sgt. Mark Giauque, Early Warning Section NCOIC, 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command.
Although the program was filled with highlights such as music, a Hawaiian blessing, and a cannon salute, the laying of the wreath is what made it memorable for Giauque.
"My favorite part of the ceremony was being able to represent the United States Army in escorting an Army Pearl harbor survivor to lay the wreath" shares Giauque.
The wreath laying ceremony is symbolic to paying respects to the fallen, a formal way of paying respects to those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.
The significance of the attack on Pearl Harbor will forever touch each and every service member, especially those that are stationed here in Hawaii who are reminded of the tragic events that took place every day.
"I cannot imagine how the servicemen must have felt during the attacks, especially being stationed right where it happened' explained Giauque.
"Our headquarters is being moved to the building on Hickam AFB where a 500 lb bomb was dropped on the day of the Pearl Harbor attack. I am reminded of this attack everyday when I walk into my office because there are still bullet holes in the side of our building from the strafing runs conducted by the Japanese Zeros."
"The good Lord saved just a few of us," shared Donald Stratton, 92, who was one of the survivors of a gun director in the forward part of the ship and sustained severe burns during the attack, which required hospitalization lasting for more than a year. "So terrible, terrible day."
During the ceremony, a moment of silence was observed at 7:55 a.m., the exact moment the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor began 73 years ago. The guided-missile destroyer USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93) rendered pass-in-review honors to the USS Arizona and all Pearl Harbor survivors present at the ceremony. The 199th Fighter Squadron, Hawaii Air National Guard, 19th Fighter Squadron, U.S. Air Force also presented an F-22 Raptors flyover.
This year's theme for the historic event focused on "Preserving the Memory" ensuring that the memories of the attack on Oahu and World War II live on through each passing generation. Precious items such as letters, photographs, and diaries are used to educate, commemorate, and memorialize a generation. As members of the Armed Service it is our duty to continue to honor the past, inspire the future and educate all so that veterans are assured that their fight was not in vain.
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