Remembering Pearl Harbor 2021

VFW Post 2955 Color Guard fired a salute honoring veterans and all those who died at Pearl Harbor when the Naval base was attacked by Japan on Dec. 7, 1941.

On Dec. 7, 1941, hundreds of Japanese planes filled the skies over Pearl Harbor Naval Base in Hawaii. The early morning surprise attack claimed the lives of 2,403 men and women and injured countless Americans. Among the dead were 23 sets of brothers who were aboard the USS Arizona.

The next day, President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared the attack “a day of infamy” and launched America into World War II.

Today, an estimated 200 World War II veterans are still living, and every year those who died and those still remaining are remembered and honored for their sacrifices.

Each year on the Pearl Harbor anniversary, Roscoe VFW Post 2955 and members of the community gather on the banks of the Rock River at Riverside Park in Roscoe, to pay tribute to those who sacrificed their lives on Dec. 7, 1941.

VFW Commander Ruben Hernandez described what happened at Pearl Harbor that day. Chaplain Dave Draeger offered a prayer and the VFW Color Guard fired a salute while a wreath commemorating the fallen soldiers was laid in the water. Draeger ended the program with the playing of Taps.

VFW Post 2955 Commander Ruben Hernandez (R) related the story of the attack on American troops at Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. during a ceremony at Riverside Park, Roscoe, on Dec. 7, 2021. VFW Post chaplain Dave Draeger led a prayer.

A wreath is placed in the Rock River, commemorating those who died in the attack.

More News from Roscoe

• What's happening in far northern Illinois: Friday, Apr 19 - Friday, Apr 26 What is going on during this week in Roscoe, South Beloit, and Rockton?
• “Kick It For Vic” raises funds for South Beloit man facing cancer Friends and family will be raising funds on Saturday, April 20, 2024 with chicken, biscuits, and raffles.