SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs and the Elk Lodge 158 commemorated the 81st anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor with a program featuring the symbolic wreath laying ceremony by the Sons and Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors.
“We are proud to gather today to mark this important day in our history,” said IDVA Director Terry Prince, “We commemorate this day with the Sons and Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors to remember their parent’s service to our county and the tremendous burden that followed them throughout their lives.”
“Pearl Harbor was a transformative day that changed the course of our country,” said Bobby Edwards, past Exalted Ruler Springfield Elk’s Lodge Post No.158, Americanism Chairman and VFW State Commander. “We thank the Sons and Daughter of Pearl Harbor Survivors for joining us today so we can honor their parent’s sacrifice and service to our nation.”
The attack on Pearl Harbor was a surprise military strike by the Imperial Japanese Navy upon the United States against the naval base at Pearl Harbor in Honolulu at 7:55 a.m. Sunday morning, December 7, 1941. This attack resulted in the loss of 2,403 lives and led to the United States’ formal entry into World War II.