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Submitted Photo Taking part in the Pearl Harbor Day remembrance ceremony at Kulpmont American Legion Post 231 are, from left, Chet Gard, historian; Ted Kursavage, Kulpmont VFW commander; Ken Sicklicki, Legion commander; and Frank Rakowski, chaplain.
KULPMONT - A service was held at the Kulpmont American Legion commemorating the attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941.
The service began with a moderator, Commander Kenneth Sicklicki, speaking to the audience.
"Members and guests, welcome to the American Legion Post 231. Today, we are going to pay tribute and show our immense gratitude to the servicemen who lost their lives on Dec. 7, 1941, at Pearl Harbor," Sicklicki said. "A total of 2,335 servicemen died on that day, two-thirds within 15 minutes of the initial bombing of the harbor. The U.S. Navy lost 2,008, with 1.177 on the USS Arizona. The U.S. Marines lost 109. The U.S. Army Air Corps lost 218. A total of 800 civilians also died. Plus, 1,178 servicemen were wounded. How can a person pay proper homage to such suffering? We can try by never forgetting what has passed, and teach our children and grandchildren that freedom is not free. A very dear price was paid by our fellow Americans, and the price is still being paid today."
The commander then asked all to stand and led the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag. Arms were presented, and all sang "The Star Spangled Banner." An opening prayer was offered by Chaplain Frank Rakowski, of the Kulpmont VFW. The commander thanked attendees for remembering the great sacrifice of the military in performing its duty in the Pacific realm.
Chester Gard read "America's Entry Into World War II," parts of which explained that the attack on Pearl Harbor was an integral part of the Japanese grand strategy of southern expansion. The objective was to immobilize the Pacific fleet, because Japan's only hope of success was to achieve a quick and decisive victory.
The first wave of Japanese aircraft arrived over its target shortly before 7:55 a.m. At approximately 8:06 a.m., the USS Arizona exploded, having been hit by a 1,760-pound bomb. In less than nine minutes, it sank, with 1,177 of its crew.
Phil Meyer read President Franklin Roosevelt's message to Congress the day after the bombing of Pearl Harbor.
Ted Kurasavage, commander of the Kulpmont VFW, talked about his stay at Pearl Harbor. Kurasavage, a retired senior chief petty officer, served on submarines his entire 23 years in the Navy. He spoke about how submarines play a great part in any war.
The commander asked all to stand for a moment of silence. The Mount Carmel honor guard, led by Vince Giacomini, and compised of Ben Frank, Dennis Kropowski and Cosmo Rossi, volleyed three rounds outside the Legion building, followed by the playing of taps by Jerry Buchinski.
Before closing, many of the attendees spoke about their memories of World War II and other wars. Rakowski delivered the closing prayer.
The program, which laster more than 75 minutes, was directed by Service Officer Rose Koldash and Henry Koldash. Refreshments were served.
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