DEAR EDITOR,

Dec. 7, 1941 — the attack on Pearl Harbor — was a day that has remained in infamy. Very few service members who personally remember that day are still among us. The American Legion Auxiliary encourages everyone to do what they can to keep Pearl Harbor a part of our national consciousness.

Many brave service members were asleep or about their morning routines at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii when the Japanese bombers delivered a blow that would decide America’s involvement in World War II. More than 2,400 service members died during the early morning attack.

My late father-in-law, Joe Shesko, joined the Navy and fought in the South Pacific on a destroyer during the war in the years to follow. My mother, Eva Dudurich-Hazelton, was a part of the war effort at home. She, like many other young women, went to work for the war effort. In her case, she became a welder, making parts for ships and airplanes to help keep our troops out of harms way.

This year, a tribute was to be paid to these “Rosie the Riveters” at the Kent State Trumbull branch Dec. 6. Like the young men who fought in the war, these courageous women are dying at a rapid rate.

Thanks to all involved to recognize their service. Nearly every American, man and woman, from almost every family across the country, became a part of the fight in some way because of that fateful day.

I invite you, along with the members of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 737, to take a moment and remember the men and women who lost their lives that day, 78 years ago.

American Legion Auxiliary members have dedicated themselves for a century to meeting the needs of our nation’s veterans, military and their families both here and abroad. They volunteer millions of hours yearly, with a value of $3.1 billion. As part of the world’s largest women’s patriotic service organization, Auxiliary volunteers across the country also step up to honor veterans and military through annual scholarships and with ALA Girls State programs, teaching high school juniors to be leaders grounded in patriotism and Americanism. To learn more about the Auxiliary’s mission or to volunteer, donate or join, visit www.ALAforVeterans.org.

KAREN SHESKO

Lake Milto