Ceremonies in region mark Japan's invasion
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Members of local veterans groups gathered Saturday in Newburgh to toss wreaths into the Hudson River to honor those killed in Japan's Dec. 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor.ALLYSE PULLIAM/For the Times Herald-Record
Published: 2:00 AM - 12/08/13
NEWBURGH — Seventy-two years ago, Japan unexpectedly attacked Pearl Harbor, plunging the United States into World War II.
Those who served our nation after one of the most vicious attacks on American soil and their families never will forget those who lost their lives.
One by one, members of local veterans organizations laid wreaths Saturday in the Hudson River along the Newburgh waterfront to honor the fallen heroes.
As the colorful wreaths splashed into the frigid water, the men saluted to the memories they hold close to their hearts.
“I don't ever want to forget about the men and women who fought and died for this country,” said Warren Heller, a Korean War veteran and member of Rolling Thunder Chapter 3, an organization that aims to publicize POW-MIA issues.
Sgt. Joe Farina was a young soldier in the U.S. Army when the Naval base in Hawaii was attacked. The New Windsor resident immediately volunteered to join the war effort because, he says, “I pledged to defend my country.”
Under the command of Gen. Douglas MacArthur, Farina, 93, spent the entire war overseas in the Southwest Pacific and Philippians. Before shipping out, Farina stopped by Pearl Harbor.
“It will remain in my memory for the rest of my life,” said Farina, a member of Catholic War Veterans Post 386.
Farina said veterans' ceremonies, like the one outside Torches on the Hudson, are important to remember the sacrifices made to protect American values.
“I'd like the youth to take a moment to reflect on their freedoms because they came at a costly price,” he said.
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Buy This Photo
Members of local veterans groups gathered Saturday in Newburgh to toss wreaths into the Hudson River to honor those killed in Japan's Dec. 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor.ALLYSE PULLIAM/For the Times Herald-Record
NEWBURGH — Seventy-two years ago, Japan unexpectedly attacked Pearl Harbor, plunging the United States into World War II.
Those who served our nation after one of the most vicious attacks on American soil and their families never will forget those who lost their lives.
One by one, members of local veterans organizations laid wreaths Saturday in the Hudson River along the Newburgh waterfront to honor the fallen heroes.
As the colorful wreaths splashed into the frigid water, the men saluted to the memories they hold close to their hearts.
“I don't ever want to forget about the men and women who fought and died for this country,” said Warren Heller, a Korean War veteran and member of Rolling Thunder Chapter 3, an organization that aims to publicize POW-MIA issues.
Sgt. Joe Farina was a young soldier in the U.S. Army when the Naval base in Hawaii was attacked. The New Windsor resident immediately volunteered to join the war effort because, he says, “I pledged to defend my country.”
Under the command of Gen. Douglas MacArthur, Farina, 93, spent the entire war overseas in the Southwest Pacific and Philippians. Before shipping out, Farina stopped by Pearl Harbor.
“It will remain in my memory for the rest of my life,” said Farina, a member of Catholic War Veterans Post 386.
Farina said veterans' ceremonies, like the one outside Torches on the Hudson, are important to remember the sacrifices made to protect American values.
“I'd like the youth to take a moment to reflect on their freedoms because they came at a costly price,” he said.
[email protected]
We reserve the right to remove any content at any time from this Community, including without limitation. Please check our Community Rules for more information. We ask that you report content that you in good faith believe violates the above rules by clicking the Flag link next to the offending comment or fill out this form. New comments are only accepted for two weeks from the date of publication.