World War 2 Veteran Tony Pastore sang the National Anthem.
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — It was on this day 75 years ago when Roman Sadlowski and Edward Burns, both hailing from Pittsfield, were killed during the attacks on Pearl Harbor.
That morning, Dec. 7, 1941, Japanese planes attacked the U.S. naval base in Hawaii, killing thousands and sinking or damaging the Pacific Fleet's eight battleships.
The attack brought the United States into World War 2, as millions of citizens, dubbed the Greatest Generation, took up arms to defend the country.
"The attack claimed the lives of more than 2,400 Americans including two of Pittsfield's own. It nearly destroyed our Pacific Fleet but it could not shake our resolve," Veteran Service Officer James Clark said. "While battleships smoldered in the harbor, patriots from across our country enlisted in the armed forces, volunteering to take up the fight for freedom and for security."
Wednesday morning, the Veterans Coalition gathered at the war memorial on South Street to pay respects to those who fought in World War 2 and at Pearl Harbor. Some 44 men from Pittsfield and Dalton served at Pearl Harbor or at the nearby airfield and more joined the war after the attacks.
"We salute those who responded with strength and courage and service of our nation and we renew our dedication to the ideals in which they so valiantly fought. The men and women of the greatest generation went to war and braved hardships to make the world safer, freer, and more just," Clark said.
The annual ceremony, with temperatures hovering in the low 30s and a slight dusting of snow on the ground, recognizes the sacrifice of World War 2 veterans. This year's event kicked off with the Rev. J.C. Williams giving the invocation followed by Clark's remarks.
Veteran John Harding then read one of the country's most memorable speeches, the one President Franklin Roosevelt delivered to Congress the day after the attacks, declaring war.
Following that, veteran Larry Caprari read the names of local veterans who served at Pearl Harbor. A volley was shot off and taps was played before Rabbi Josh Breindel delivered the benediction.
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