WESTFIELD (WWLP) – Seventy-four years ago Monday, the United States and the world, changed forever. On December 7, 1941, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, killing nearly 2,500 people. The following day, the United States declared war on Japan, and Nazi Germany in turn declared war on the U.S.
With the anniversary of that devastating attack in mind, dozens of people gathered in Westfield Monday morning, to remember not only those who were lost in Pearl Harbor, but throughout the course of World War II.
Each year, there are fewer surviving witnesses of Pearl Harbor, but Westfield was fortunate enough to have had Robert Greenleaf as the guest of honor during their ceremony Monday. He is the last Pearl Harbor survivor living in the city.
Local and state leaders joined veterans, members of the community, and Greenleaf by the Rock of Pearl Harbor, which includes the name of a Westfield native who died in the sinking of the U.S.S. Arizona.
All in attendance said it was important to always remember the sacrifices Americans made on that day, and throughout the war.
“We have to educate, especially the younger people, to the history of our country,” said Barry Plumley, a Korean War veteran who serves in the Honor Guard.
The ceremony concluded with Greenleaf tossing a wreath into the Westfield River in memory of those killed, as Taps played.
