Veterans remember Pearl Harbor Day
A group of current-day heroes took the time Dec. 7 to remember past heroes who lost their lives on, as President Franklin Delano Roosevelt described it, "a day that will live in infamy," Dec. 7, 1941.
Pearl Harbor was attacked by Japan 72 years ago, leading to the United States' complete involvement in World War II. Officers and members of Rehoboth VFW Post 7447, and its men's and ladies' auxiliaries, totaling about 60 people, gathered to be reminded of that fateful day and honor those who gave so much, along with their families.
Taking part in the presentation was Jack Ward, World War II Army of Occupation - Japan, who served in the U.S. Air Force. He reflected on his recollections prior to and following the dropping of bombs to end World War II, providing additional details to the information shared by other post members.
Post Chaplain Greg Gause, who led the group in a prayer, served with the U.S. Army during the Korean War and earned a Purple Heart. Post Commander Tracy Bowen, who served with the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War, had the audience stand and remove their hats for a minute of silence for those who lost their lives Dec. 7, 1941. Post Quartermaster Arthur Frampton, who served in the U.S. Air Force during Operation Desert Storm; Post Adjutant and Immediate Past Post Commander Ed Tucker, who served in the U.S. Navy during the Cuban Missile Crisis; and Men's Auxiliary President Ed Schaefer, who is a U.S. Navy veteran, had lead roles in the presentation. The group represented a long span of time, and those attending expressed gratitude for their service and for all those who are currently serving and have ever served.
Ladies' Auxiliary President Elsie McGurgan also gave details of Dec. 7, 1941, so no one will ever forget.
Following this presentation, Judy Stranch, Ladies' Auxiliary treasurer at VFW Post 7447, reminded the membership that Dec. 7 is also Delaware Day, the date Delaware became the first state to ratify the Constitution.
