SILVER CREEK - December 7 was the day declared to live on in infamy after the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941.
Wednesday that day was remembered solemnly at ceremonies held by the Silver Creek Samuel Cimino VFW Post 6472.
This year marked the 70th anniversary of the tragic event that changed the course of history and began the U.S. involvement in World War II.
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Silver Creek Pearl Harbor Day
In Silver Creek, the remembrance ceremony began at 10:55 a.m., the precise time of 7:55 a.m. in Honolulu when the USS Arizona began sounding the alarm 70 years before.
After the pledge to the flag and a prayer led by VFW Post 6472 Board Chairman James Lisa, thanking God for the freedom we enjoy today, the strength of those who fought bravely for it and giving hope in honor of their sacrifice, Commander Ed Fik began with a presentation.
"We recall the events of Dec. 7, 1941, but more importantly, we remember the thousands of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen who died during that terrible ambush and in the years that followed," Fik said.
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OBSERVER Photo by Nicole Gugino
Pictured are veteran John Leatherbarrow, Past Commander of the Lake Shore Marines 231 Detachment, Sam Restivo, Chairman of the Board for Silver Creek Samuel Cimino VFW Post 6472, James Lisa preparing the salute, and Post 6472 Commander Ed Fik about to throw the wreath into Lake Erie.
The attack on Pearl Harbor left 3,500 dead or wounded, 18 ships sunk or damaged and 350 aircraft destroyed.
Fik thanked those who fought in the battles that followed the attack which allowed America to be victorious.
"Their contributions, their sacrifice, their steadfast devotion to duty, God, country and to their families, provide us with examples we need to emulate every day of our lives," Fik added.
This presentation was followed by Bosun's Pipe and the symbolic ringing of the ship's bell in recognition of those who served and lost their lives.
After the playing of Taps, the ceremony was taken to the edge of Lake Erie where the ceremonial presentation of a wreath took place.
Fik released the wreath into the waters and veteran John Leatherbarrow, Past Commander of the Lake Shore Marines 231 Detachment Sam Restivo and Lisa made a 9 gun salute.
"It's a solemn ceremony and it's symbolic to remember the fallen. It originally comes from the ceremony they perform in Pearl Harbor," Lisa explained.
The Silver Creek VFW Post's namesake was a WWII veteran having served in the U.S. Navy on the USS Robert Gray. Samuel Cimino perished when a German U Boat torpedoed the ship. He received the Purple Heart and his family received a letter from President Franklin Roosevelt in grateful memory of his service to the country.
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