They came together to remember the day that has lived in infamy.
"We have many people among us who served in the greatest generation and as they leave our physical presence, we must remember the spirit of patriotism that they left us," said Nancy Robinson Masters.
John Roddy was on the USS Tennessee when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. And Saturday, he recalled the moment he realized his ship was being bombed.
"I ran up a ladder on deck, looked out the port holes to the east and saw aircraft approaching, the rising star under the fuselage and under the wings, torpedo slung underneath," he explained. "I knew immediately that we were under attack."
The ship was hit by two bombs. Surviving the attack due to a defective torpedo, John says it is important to remember pearl harbor because of the freedoms it brought the country.
"If it hadn't been for that attack and the subsequent war, the people in the US or elsewhere, peace loving nations, would not be free as they are today," John said. "The sacrifices they made is what helped the military win the war."
And for younger generations to learn more about those who fought then, and continue to fight now.
"They come here as a way of honoring those who have given their lives in service and a way of honoring those today who continue to serve active duty in our military," said John.
"We have many people among us who served in the greatest generation and as they leave our physical presence, we must remember the spirit of patriotism that they left us," said Nancy Robinson Masters.
John Roddy was on the USS Tennessee when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. And Saturday, he recalled the moment he realized his ship was being bombed.
"I ran up a ladder on deck, looked out the port holes to the east and saw aircraft approaching, the rising star under the fuselage and under the wings, torpedo slung underneath," he explained. "I knew immediately that we were under attack."
The ship was hit by two bombs. Surviving the attack due to a defective torpedo, John says it is important to remember pearl harbor because of the freedoms it brought the country.
"If it hadn't been for that attack and the subsequent war, the people in the US or elsewhere, peace loving nations, would not be free as they are today," John said. "The sacrifices they made is what helped the military win the war."
And for younger generations to learn more about those who fought then, and continue to fight now.
"They come here as a way of honoring those who have given their lives in service and a way of honoring those today who continue to serve active duty in our military," said John.
