Thursday marked 82 years since the attack on Pearl Harbor, a moment that changed our nation forever. In Bangor, people gathered to honor the courage shown that day and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
LTJG Stephen S. Salois from the Bangor Navy Reserve Center spoke about the tragic events. “In just over an hour, 2,403 personnel lay dead or dying. Among them, PFC Willard C. Orr, for whom this bridge was named.” Orr graduated from Bangor High School in the class of 1939.
The ceremony included prayers, a wreath-laying ceremony, and a 21-rifle salute. It has become an annual tradition for the Bangor Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC).
“We always enjoy doing these ceremonies, not just because they’re a great service to the public, which we love doing, but also because it’s an opportunity to have our students learn more about what happened when these attacks,” said Battalion Commander Luke Dusablon of the Bangor JROTC. Some students may not be familiar with the events of that day, and this is a chance for them to understand the impact it had on the country.
Eighty-two years later, JROTC cadets are ensuring that we never forget. Dusablon emphasized the importance of continuing these ceremonies and lessons to keep the memory alive. “One message that always gets repeated over and over again is never forget, and that’s not going to happen unless we keep doing these ceremonies and we keep allowing our students or young people to keep learning about these events.” The goal is to ensure that future generations understand the significance of Pearl Harbor and its impact on the nation.
