Roscoe VFW Post 2955 commemorates Pearl Harbor Day
More than 80 years later, Roscoe veteran John Rossato placed a wreath in the Rock River in memory of those who died.
On Saturday, December 7, 2024, members of VFW Post 2955 in Roscoe commemorated those who perished in the 1941 Japanese invasion at Pearl Harbor.
It’s been 83 years since the attack that touched off World War II, killing an estimated 2,390 people that included military members and civilians.
Today, most World War II veterans, members of the Greatest Generation, are between 95 and 105 years old.
John Rossato, 97, is a veteran of World War II. He is also a long-time member of the Roscoe VFW Post 2955.
For several years, he has played a significant role in honoring the memory of those who lost their lives at Pearl Harbor. Each year John has placed a wreath in the river at Riverside Park during the Pearl Harbor Day VFW memorial program,
This year is no exception. With assistance from John’s son, Jack, the wreath was laid in the water, followed by the VFW Color Guard rifle volley.
Commander Chuck Ingle spoke of the events that took place during the early morning surprise attack at Pearl Harbor, near Honolulu, Hawaii. Eight battleships were destroyed as well as 300 planes and many lives.
The following day, President Franklin D. Roosevelt described the attack as “A day that will live in infamy” and declared war on Japan.
On Saturday, December 7, 2024, President Joseph Biden proclaimed the date National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.
