Pearl Harbor Day remembered in Port Jervis

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Veteran tosses wreathe into Delaware River
Vince Livingston joined the Marines at 17. He’s 96 now.

PORT JERVIS – A small but heartfelt group of veterans, officials, and members of the Port Jervis community gathered at West End Beach on Sunday afternoon to remember the devastating attack on Pearl Harbor 81-years ago this month.

Tri-State Naval Ship Post #7241 Captain Fabrizzio Morejon spoke to the approximately two dozen who attended the ceremony, stating that the attack awoke a sleeping giant and also ignited America’s pride and great national spirit.

“We recall the events of December 7, 1941, but more importantly we recall the thousands that died during that terrible ambush.  We also learned from this and the attack on September 11, 2001.  We learned that we must never let our guard down.  We are not exempt from danger,” Morejon said.  “But while our people may be killed and our buildings destroyed, we also know that our enemies will never be successful in destroying our democracy or American way of life.”

Among those gathered for the chilly December afternoon event was 96-year-old WWII Veteran Vincent Livingston.  Livingston joined the Marines when he was just 17 and says he would gladly do it all again.   Livingston was not at Pearl Harbor when the attack happened but was missions on a ship overseas.

“I was on a gunnery ship, and on top overhead was a 500-pound bomb.  We were out looking for enemy submarines,’ Livingston recalled.  “It was our generation’s job to know what peace was, and to know what death was.  I know what it is to see this.”

Livingston said he believes every boy and girl should have one year of college and then also know the discipline of service.

Veterans bowed their heads in prayer offered by Port Jervis Mayor Kelly Decker.  With a hand raised to brow in salute to TAPS, eyes remained closed as many took a moment for their own remembrances and tribute to America’s fallen.

A wreath was tossed into the Delaware River following the service.




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