BOALSBURG — At 12:45 p.m. on the afternoon of Dec. 7, a group of about 50 people, a color guard of former U.S. Marines and an honor guard from American Legion Post 245 gathered on the grounds of the Pennsylvania Military Museum in Boalsburg to commemorate the 76th anniversary of the Japanese Imperial Navy’s attack on the American Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
The ceremony was held next to two of the “big guns” of the battleship USS Pennsylvania, which was docked in Pearl Harbor and took a direct hit from a bomb in the attack. In spite of its damage, the Pennsylvania is reported to be the first ship to return fire on the Japanese planes that day.
The guest speaker for the ceremony was retired U.S. Navy Capt. James Bloom. Bloom opened his remarks describing the United States just one day before the attack.
“The economy was strong, and jobs were out there to be had. We had turned the corner on Prohibition and the Great Depression, the scourges of the 1920s and ’30s, and we had managed to steer clear of the war in Europe for two years,” he said. “But, then, the clock struck 8 a.m. in Hawaii, with Japanese planes crossing the northern shore of Oahu.
“It’s a cliché to say we were caught with our pants down,” said Bloom. “Enemy attackers flew with near impunity over Pearl Harbor, Wheeler, Hickam and Kanoehe Bay. They bombed and strafed our airfields. American air power was ravaged on the ground.”
Bloom went on to quote some statistics of the attack damage, noting that the battleships USS Tennessee, USS West Virginia, USS Arizona and five others were sunk or severely damaged. Three cruisers, three destroyers and five auxiliaries also were hit, and 347 aircraft were destroyed or damaged. Most tragic was the loss of 2,335 Americans, with half again as many wounded in the attack.
“Those who survived were left to reckon with the humiliation of a resounding defeat,” he said.
Bloom said there were many times in history when American forces were left with a sense of shame and embarrassment.
“But one lesson of Pearl Harbor is that no GI and no jack-tar should feel regret or dishonor,” he said. “Every man who fought for our nation that morning did his duty with utmost honor.”
Bloom emphasized that when political leaders launch us into war situations, the consequences that result must be separate from the actions of those who fought and stood their ground.
“The valor of the soldiers and sailors who endured at Pearl Harbor is nothing short of commendable.”
Bloom said that although the events of that terrible day were a defeat for America, they inspired the country to live up to President Franklin Roosevelt’s promise to “win through to absolute victory.”
Bloom concluded his remarks honoring the Pearl Harbor veterans, and all veterans, in attendance.
“To all veterans of all conflicts assembled here today, I cheer your service and express a deep-felt ‘thank you,’” Bloom said.
Following Bloom’s speech, a 21-gun salute was fired by the American Legion Honor Guard, and the playing of taps by bugler Dave Strouse.
Among the ceremony attendees was 94-year-old Henry Mellinger, of State College, a survivor of the Pearl Harbor attack. Mellinger served as a U.S. Army Air Corps pilot from 1941 to 1949. He remember the day well.
“It was a surprise attack, and they blasted the place. They killed a lot of people,” he said. “Lucky I didn’t get hit.” Mellinger was glad to see the attack being remembered 76 years later. “It’s wonderful to have this remembrance. It’s quite a tribute.”
