As American flags flew at half-staff all around our country, a few hundred residents came out Sunday afternoon in the blustery, gray weather to commemorate Pearl Harbor Day. They honored the survivors and those who lost their lives in the Japanese sneak attack that precipitated World War II.
A lone bagpiper, Kevin Selfridge of The Villages Sounds of Scotland, played the Army, Navy, Marine Corps., Air Force and Coast Guard anthems and Amazing Grace, as the Veterans’ Memorial Park Honor Guard presented the colors. Members of various military associations posted their flags: among them the ex-POW Association, American Legion Post 347, the Disabled American Veterans, The Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Jewish War Veterans, the Daughters of the American Revolution and county veteran groups.
Pastor Dave Johnson talked about the great evil in the world leading up to Pearl Harbor and World War II, and also the great evil found in the world today.
“We are here to honor those who fought that evil on the battle grounds in Europe and Asia, and those who defended our homeland during World War II,” the Veterans’ Memorial Park chaplain said. “Those who survived and those who are here today give us renewed hope and awareness of the good in America. They have our gratitude for their bravery and sacrifice.”
The National Anthem and rousing patriotic songs were sung by Lt. Comm. Fran Pagliarulo, (U.S.N., Ret.) and 11-year-old Molly Rae, a little gal from Inverness with a giant voice..
Sitting with Joan Mezzatesta, widow of the co-founder of the park, Frank Mezzatesta, former VMP president ‘Col.’ Harold Sievers, held a microphone to a boom-box so everyone could hear a recording of President Roosevelt’s speech.
The United Press Bulletin, on WNBC-Radio, interrupted a football game: “The White House has announced a Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.” From the newsroom in New York, President Roosevelt uttered the oft quoted words: “Yesterday, December 7, 1941, is a day which shall live in infamy. The United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by the naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan. The United States was at peace with that nation,” the president continued. “I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense, and we shall always remember the character of the onslaught against us.” Following our U.S. Constitutional mandates, the President then asked the Congress to declare, that since the unprovoked and dastardly Sunday, Dec. 7 attack, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire.
Village of Hadley resident, Col. Harry Lumpkin (U.S. Army Ret.), who served 26 years on active duty in the Vietnam war and through Desert Storm conflicts, gave the keynote address.
“What better place to commemorate Pearl Harbor than in The Villages?” asked Col. Lumpkin. “But why, among all our many battles, do we single out this one day? I pondered that question when Commander Simpson asked me to speak.
“We had a mighty Pacific fleet stationed at Pearl Harbor, and we did not think anyone would challenge that fleet,” Lumpkin continued. “Intelligence told us to expect an attack from Japan, but they didn’t say it was coming to Oahu. Japan was seeking out additional resources in the Pacific Rim. The only nation that could challenge their quest for power at that time was the United States. Their goal was to paralyze and destroy us. They caught us off guard. We can never let down our vigilance no matter how powerful we think we are.”
While they destroyed a large part of our fleet and air power in Hawaii, Lumpkin noted, Admiral Nimitz realized the Japanese didn’t destroy the piers where the ships had been moored; our aircraft maintenance facilities or the nearby oil refineries where we fueled our Pacific Fleet.
“The Japanese made three big mistakes. We were a nation that was under God,” Lumpkin continued. “They hit us on a Sunday, when many people were in church. If they had hit us on another day, ten times as many as the 3,800 servicemen and women might have perished. They didn’t realize they had challenged the greatest nation the world had ever known — and our ability to stand up for what is right. Our men and women rallied, re-build our military strength and answered the call to arms.”
Our leaders, fraught with anxiety, honored their commitment to defend our allies in Europe first, Lumpkin noted, and then they re-enforced our own defenses.
“They held their ground because they knew Americans would never leave their Allies behind. The Japanese were surprised at our power and resolve.”
Col. Lumpkin praised the World War II veterans, calling them our role models.
“You are members of our greatest generation,” he said with passion. “As I look at the bricks around this great memorial park, I am reminded of all the individuals who followed your great example. Because of you, we know how important it is to be Americans and to stand up for America. God bless all of you for setting the standard for what every member of the military and their families live by. Thank you all for your service.”
The memorial wreath was placed at the monument, taps were played, and the fire from the seven rifles was seen in the cold damp air.
Four survivors of Pearl Harbor, including Donald Bloomfield, who served for five years in the Air Corps., were honored.
“I never thought I’d be alive and here today. This is a privilege and honor, thank you very much,” he said.
