Looking Back on Pearl Harbor

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Created on Monday, 10 December 2012 18:10

Written by Alyssa Sylvia

AROUND THE NEK - December 7th 2012 marks the 71st anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor.  And while almost 3/4 of a century has gone by, people around the Northeast Kingdom remember not only the event on this day, but what it represents and those affected by it.

Flags were flown at half staff on Friday, as people around the NEK took a moment of silence to remember the tragic day. The early morning attack on Pearl Harbor included over 350 Japanese planes, that left over 2400 dead and nearly 1200 injured in their wake. "Its time to honor all the veterans and the ones that have made the ultimate sacrifice," said Bruce Bickford, Post Commander of VFW Post 138, "December 7th was a day that really woke up the United States, what was happening.".

Bickford, a veteran of this war expressed the importance of remembering this loss during as Pearl Harbor and World War II and how tragic events such as those can bring the century together. "It brings everyone together and its something we will never forget.". Brainerd Wells Andrews of Franklin, and Myron Alonzo Brophy of Bennington were lost on the USS Arizona, and there could be more.

Ray Emory, a survivor of the attack has been searching public documents, lobbying to identify the unknown deceased. Veterans in Lyndonville also believe it is important to remember those lost. "It's something they'll never forget, December the 7th, we lost a lot of lives that day, and I think the country remembers that, and the ones that don't, will because it's our history.".

December 7th, like every day, is a time to remember not only those who died for our country, but to respect and honor those who are still alive and fighting.