National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Marked With Ceremony In Manhattan
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - Monday marks 79 years since the Japanese launched a devastating surprise attack on U.S. military forces in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, killing more than 2,400 Americans.
After that, the U.S. entered WWII.
As CBS2's Alice Gainer reports, there's a call to award the nation's highest military honor to a hero sailor.
On Long Island, a vintage military aircraft with roses on board took off, headed to the Statue of Liberty for the annual "dropping of the roses" conducted by the Long Island Air Force Association.
"I said what the hell…..the Japanese doing circles on planes - we're being attacked. We're being attacked, they were so low over the trees," said Pearl Harbor survivor Armando "Chick" Galella.
Normally, the Intrepid museum has a wreath-laying ceremony to commemorate the day. But because of the pandemic, it's instead marking the day virtually. The message is still the same: To honor and remember.
"18, 19 years old served at Pearl Harbor. I honor these men, especially the people on the Arizona, who gave their lives," Galella said.
There are continued calls to posthumously award Navy war hero Doris "Dorie" Miller the Medal of Honor.
"Dorie Miller represents the best of what America is," said Rev. Ronald Sullivan.
Miller served in the Navy when African Americans were only allowed to work in the mess halls. He was on board the USS West Virginia that day.
"Dorie Miller, who had no training, jumped up on a machine gun that he had no skills on and began firing at the enemy," Sullivan said.
He also brought men to safety from the burning waters, and became the first African American to earn the Navy Cross.
"That is true valor," said Navy veteran Duane Jackson. "Let me say that again. Freedom is not free."
We remember, and we thank you all for your service.
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