Pearl Harbor Day

            It was the “9/11” of a past generation.  War brought onto our home soil, without warning.  Truth be told, for many of us, it’s hardly the first thing we’re thinking about or remembering with the business of the holiday season, but it changed the face of the world, and the heart of our country.  Pearl Harbor Day . . . the day we remember the more than 2,400 Americans who were killed, and the more than 1,100 who were wounded, in the surprise Japanese attack on the military base.  And while the event has always been taught to us in school, for many of us too young to experience the real feel of what took place it couldn’t really BE understood until we lived through 9/11 so many years later.  All of those men and women, working to honor and protect our country, brutally lost their lives  . . . . right before Christmas. 

            The Cranford VFW Post #335, at 479 South Avenue E., will hold its annual Pearl Harbor Day Service on Friday, December 7th at 9:00 AM.  The public is cordially invited to attend this brief patriotic service, during which the VFW Color Guard which will fire a volley in remembrance, a solemn bugler will play, and a short service will be held. In an attempt to bring the past to life, recorded announcements from that fateful day will be played for all to hear.  This event will be held rain or shine . . . it will be moved indoors in the event of inclement weather.  Refreshments will be served to all afterwards, and anyone and everyone are encouraged to attend to pay their respects to the men and women patriots who lost their lives that fateful day.   For more information please feel free to contact the VFW at 908-276-9730 or email jimdrc@verizon.net.

In addition, The Friends of the Cranford Public Library invite you to join Dr. James P. Kane as he recounts the story of the attack on Pearl Harbor in words, pictures, and music. This will take place at the Cranford Community Center on Thursday, December 13, at 7:30 PM.  Admission is free and all are welcome

            Be thankful for what you have this holiday season, and be thankful to those who have given up so much to allow you to have it.