WESTFIELD–Veterans are set to honor those who lost their lives during the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Frank Wojkiewicz, first Westfield resident to die in World War II
Several veterans and their family from the greater Westfield area will be gathering at Wojtkiewicz Park, located near Meadow Street, at 10:30 a.m. on Dec. 7, for the 75th anniversary of the attack. Honorees expected to be in attendance include Pearl Harbor survivor Robert Greenleaf and family members of Frank P. Wojkiewicz, the first Westfield resident to lose their life during World War II.
The event is being hosted by Westfield‘s American Legion Post 124.
“I think it’s important as Americans that we understand what happened that day, and it changed America forever,” Post 124‘s public relations officer Bill Spradlin, said. “And the remembrance is to help us remember that day and to hope that it never happens again.”
The attack on Pearl Harbor, which occurred on Dec. 7, 1941, marked the US’s full involvement into World War II, after the Japanese Imperial Navy led a surprise strike on US Naval forces at Pearl Harbor. There were a total of 2,403 Americans that were killed, as well as an additional 1,178 that were wounded.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt said after the attacks that it was a “date which will life in infamy.”
The ceremony will include a memorial wreath being placed into the Westfield River, as well as a 21-gun salute. Also in attendance will be Mayor Brian Sullivan and Rep. Don Humason.
“The city of Westfield, whether it’s the mayor or the city council, they’re all supportive of our veterans and they’re always thanking us,” Spradlin said.
The event will occur regardless of weather, which has some precipitation in the forecast.
