NEWBURGH – On a sunny Sunday 79 years ago in Honolulu, Hawaii, the United States entered World War II when American military forces were attacked by Japan.
“It’s one of those things we can’t forget,” said Chris Eachus, of the Sons of the American Legion 1796 in New Windsor.
Veterans did not forget Monday at the city’s waterfront. They gathered to commemorate the attack and the subsequent loss of life by tossing flowers and wreaths into the Hudson River.
As Germany was taking over Europe more than 80 years ago, Japan was using its imperial power throughout Asia. America stayed out of the conflict until Japan turned its sights on a sleeping western power until it was awakened by the surprise attack.
Eachus said we cannot be in that position once more.
“The United States at that time was not watchful, and we can never be like that again,” he said. “So, each one of the tragedies that befalls the United States, we have to remember, so we do not repeat history.”
Veterans did not forget Monday at the Newburgh city waterfront. They gathered to commemorate the attack and the subsequent loss of life by tossing flowers and wreaths into the Hudson River.
