Bend veterans remember Pearl Harbor, 74 years ago
On the early morning of December 7th, 1941, Japanese warplanes bombed the USS Arizona in a surprise attack. The warplanes killed 2,400 Americans and prompted the U.S. to enter WWII.
On Monday, the nation saluted the soldiers who fought and died in the battle. A ceremony took place at Pearl Harbor to remember those who lost their lives 74 years ago.
Central Oregon’s Band of Brothers veterans came together at Jake’s Diner in Bend to remember this historic day.
Veteran Den Field said he remembers exactly where he was when Pearl Harbor was hit, as do so many other survivors
Other veterans also recounted their experience of the day and the emotions they felt vividly.
“When we went into Pearl Harbor about eight days after, the absolute disbelief and the horror of all those ships sitting on the bottom,” said Andy Knox.
The Bend Band of Brothers spent the day enjoying breakfast and supporting one another.
“It’s kind of hard to describe your feelings to someone who has never been there,” said Knox.
Some members of the group also spent the day putting up U.S. flags around Bend. They hope that parents and teachers will talk to their kids about Pearl Harbor, so history does not repeat itself.
At Monday’s event, Joan Spongberg presented Bob Maxwell of Bend, at 95 America’s oldest living Medal of Honor recipient, with a copy of the book “Killing Patton,” signed by author Bill O’Reilly.
