Last night, I attended one of the signature events of my 75th Anniversary of the Attack on Pearl Harbor Commemoration. This event brought together about 1200 people for an evening of not only remembrance but also to pass on the memories of that fateful day to the younger generation. Everyone I met last night was as nice as they could be and I felt the love of people who understand and understood the meaning of sacrifice.
Bert – 92 year old Navy and World War II Veteran.
The highlight of my evening had to be meeting a 92 year old young man, Bert. Bert served in the Navy as part of the Naval Ground Forces which no longer exists. He made several invasions during the Pacific War as part of the Marines. He is one of those heroes of the Greatest Generation that I am happy to have met.
Michael Ostaski’s Painting of Old Glory and Trumpeter.
The event was opened by the Master of Ceremonies, Michael W. Perry who introduced Michael Ostaski and his Art Explosion. Mr. Ostaski painted this picture which was auctioned to raise funds for the Pacific Aviation Museum. With that painting as the background, Celine Carr, a 13 year old Hawaii native, sang one of the most beautiful renditions of the National Anthem and the state song of Hawaii. She had one of the most beautiful voices I’ve heard in a long time and looking around my table and others, her rendition of both brought many to tears. Me included.
David Hartman
David Hartman spoke at this event and I learned for the first time that he was a dedicated historian and a huge supporter of the veterans of the armed forces of the United States. He spoke of personal experiences growing up with parents who lived during this most trying period in history.
Gary Sinise
The program featured Gary Sinise as the keynote speaker and he spoke of sacrifice and the love that those men of the Greatest Generation had for each other and their country.
There were celebrities present but the real celebrities of the evening were all of the veterans from WWII through the Present. I am so happy that I had the opportunity to attend this event and this week has exceeded my expectations.