Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1343 and American Legion Post 36, both of Rochester, held a joint Pearl Harbor remembrance ceremony on Thursday, Dec. 7, at the VFW. Shown are members of the Fulton County Veterans Honor Guard.

Text and Photos
By Leah Sander
InkFreeNews

ROCHESTER — American Legion Post 36 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1343, both of Rochester, have memorialized the “sacrifice” of those who passed away during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941.

“We observe the … sacrifice of those men and women whose blood stained the water and the ground in Pearl Harbor,” said VFW Commander Kurt Nichols at the organizations’ joint ceremony on Thursday, Dec. 7, at the VFW.

Nichols, the event’s speaker, noted the ceremony wasn’t large like those held for Memorial Day or Veterans Day.

“It’s a more personal observance as our community has forgotten what happened on this day in 1941,” he said. “The memory will always endure in the places where veterans and honor are observed.”

Nichols noted people died suddenly at Pearl Harbor.

“There they were minding their own business, getting up on a Sunday morning,” he said.

Nichols noted the tragedy of the day “changed our country and changed our world.” He said Japan targeted the U.S. thinking the country wouldn’t fight back after the attack.

“They expected us to just quit,” he said.

He commended “the sacrifice, the grit and the gumption” of those from the U.S. during World War II.

After Nichols spoke, the Fulton County Veterans Honor Guard did a gun salute, with its member Harry Migonis playing taps. Nichols tossed a wreath into Lake Manitou.

At the end of the service, Nichols prayed.

“Almighty and gracious God, we remember those who go before us, but live no more. As time has passed, their names are still strongly held by You and by a grateful nation,” he prayed. “Let us always remember that for every generation there comes a time when we must stand and sacrifice.”

“We ask, O Lord, the blessing upon this country, this memory and these people whom we call Americans,” he continued to pray. “May we ever be a light that shines for freedom and liberty throughout the land, answering the call at every turn for those who are oppressed or in need.”

He told media members following the service it was important to still have such a ceremony because “if you don’t remember history, you’re doomed to repeat it.”

“We hope that the schools are passing on the knowledge of what was sacrificed for us to have the abundant society that we have today,” added Nichols.

VFW Commander Kurt Nichols speaks at the ceremony.

Honor Guard member Harry Migonis plays taps.