Never forget Japan’s Pearl Harbor attack
DEAR EDITOR:
The Dec. 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor is a day that remains “in infamy.” Very few service members who personally remember that day are still among us. As we approach the 80th anniversary that pushed the United States into a world war, 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 going 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.
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. 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. She became a welder making parts for ships and airplanes to help keep our troops out of harm’s way.
In 2019, a tribute was paid to these “Rosie the Riveters” along with local World War II veterans from the Howland American Legion Post. This year, the Howland American Legion will again pay tribute to the veterans and heroes who were at Pearl Harbor and the veterans who continued until the war was won. Like the young men who fought in the war, these courageous women are dying at a rapid rate. Thanks to all for their service.
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, 80 years ago.
American Legion Auxiliary members have dedicated themselves for over 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.
To learn more about the Auxiliary’s mission or to volunteer, donate or join, visit www.ALAforVeterans.org.
KAREN SHESKO
American Legion Auxilary, ALA Unit 737
Lake Milt