Remembering Pearl Harbor

Exactly 80 years ago today, Japanese pilots attacked America’s military base at Pearl Harbor.

News 25 reached out to American Legion Post 1992 in Gautier today as we remember the attack that prompted the U.S. to enter World War II.

At the post, they have a special connection to the day. John Finn received a Congressional Medal, the military’s highest decoration, for his actions during the attack on Pearl Harbor.

A ship was built in his honor at Ingalls and the captain of the ship is a member at the American Legion Post.

Area Commander Bill Whatley says that while many of their World War II veterans have moved, he’s grateful he had a chance to hear their first-hand accounts of the war. “They’re dying stories and to get that information from one of our veteran’s first-hand that has lived it, it’s a unique opportunity to learn and remember and I say it again thank God for these men and women.”

The post recommends observing the day by educating yourself and others on the courage and sacrifices that took place on this day 80 years ago.