Photo Credit: Town of Ramapo
Suffern, NY — On the morning of December 7, 2023, Supervisor Specht, along with local dignitaries and community members, gathered to pay tribute to the events that unfolded 82 years ago at the U.S. Naval Base in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
December 7, 1941, forever etched in history, marked a turning point for the United States as Japan launched a surprise attack on the naval base. Approximately 350 Japanese aircraft engaged in the assault, resulting in the sinking and severe damage of 18 U.S. naval vessels, including eight battleships. The attack also inflicted destruction on 300 U.S. aircraft and tragically claimed the lives of 2,403 American sailors, soldiers, and civilians.
Supervisor Specht, joined by Suffern Mayor Michael Curley, former Congressman Mondaire Jones, Legislator-elect Jesse Malowitz, Legislator Phil Soskin, Rockland County Clerk Donna Silberman, and Senator Bill Weber, led a ceremony to honor the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice on that fateful day.
The solemn event, held in collaboration with the Suffern High School Chamber Orchestra, served as a poignant reminder of the historic significance of Pearl Harbor and the resilience of a nation that rose from the ashes of tragedy. The chamber orchestra added a touch of reverence to the occasion, contributing to the solemn atmosphere.
In commemorating the 82nd anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack, Supervisor Specht and the assembled officials emphasized the significance of remembering and honoring the lives lost. The ceremony served as a testament to the enduring spirit of remembrance and gratitude for the bravery displayed by those who faced adversity on December 7, 1941, ensuring that the sacrifices made during that pivotal moment in history are never forgotten.