Sixty-three years ago, on the morning of Sun., Dec. 7, Japanese air forces attacked the United States naval base at Pearl Harbor, launching the nation into World War II.
President Franklin Roosevelt called it a date that would live in infamy, but today Pearl Harbor Day is often remembered quietly by citizens and veterans, passing by without many students taking notice.
The Niagara Frontier chapter of the Air Force Association held its annual Pearl Harbor remembrance event Sunday with a short film about the 8th Air Force squadron that flew over Europe during World War II.
"In the past we have had speakers and programs put on, but this year we are just focusing on the unity of the people that come to this event every year. We are hoping for a great turn out this year," said Lt. Col. Richard Waring, president of the Niagara Frontier chapter.
Waring said no matter how many people do not think of the Pearl Harbor attack on Dec. 7, the handful of ceremonies nationwide, mostly at Veterans of Foreign Wars halls, would continue.
"The film this year was developed by the Air Combat Command with the idea in mind that our history is one of the most important forgotten aspects in our society," Waring said. "Pearl Harbor Day is a forgotten day and we aim to remember and honor this day."
Many UB students said they were unaware Tuesday was the anniversary of that significant day in 1941.
"I have never even heard of the day," said Jeffrey Gonzalez, a junior undecided major. "It makes sense though. We should have more holidays honoring our soldiers for all of their heroism, especially during Pearl Harbor, where so many men and women died for no reason at all."
With the profile of Pearl Harbor Day dwindling over the decades, some students said they thought the day ought to be given more attention.
"I have heard of Pearl Harbor Day a couple of times before, but I really never knew when it was," said Erin Quackenbush, a senior communication major. "I honestly feel that we need more of an emphasis on this day and that we as students should be informed of its significance."
With more than 2,000 Americans killed, the attack on Pearl Harbor still ranks second in history as the deadliest attack on U.S. soil. And seeing how forgotten Pearl Harbor Day has become, many have asked if the same will ever happen to 9/11.
"I hope that 9/11 will never be forgotten, even 60 years down the road," Quackenbush said. "These are the events that should never be forgotten."
At the local Leonard Post Jr. Veterans of Foreign Wars hall, Pearl Harbor Day will be commemorated with a breakfast and a brief ceremony at which Franklin McCulloch, a veteran of Pearl Harbor, will speak about the day's significance and tell his story of how he survived.
"Frank is a remarkable man. Every year he comes to this ceremony, speaking about his amazing story of faith, willpower and hope," said Leonard Marciniak, Veterans of Foreign Wars hall post commander. "No matter how many times I have heard him spoke, I am still in awe of what a strong man he had to be to survive that day."
During the ceremony, McCulloch and other veterans will place a wreath in front of the monument that stands in front of the building, followed by a moment of silence and a rifle salute.
"The firing of the weapons is in honor of all of our former soldiers that have passed on," Marciniak said. "All of these men were heroes in their own way, and they should all be saluted for their bravery during their times at war."
