Pearl Harbor Day Marked for 74th Year

NORTH WILDWOOD ─ “A day that will live in infamy” dawned clear and bright in North Wildwood in 2015. A mild December wind blew across Hereford Inlet to the steeple of St. Demetrios Church as flags rustled below, awaiting the solemn sound of “Taps.”
When the clock struck noon, many gathered by the seawall in commemoration of those who survived the Pearl Harbor attack, and those who passed on that day.
Although the generation of “iron men” and women may be fewer in number, those gathered for the Pearl Harbor remembrance service captured, at least for a moment, the essence of the spirit which no act of terror can ever take away.
Joseph Orlando, commander of the  North Wildwood VFW Post 5941, welcomed all who attended. He remarked on how 74 years had passed since the attack on Pearl Harbor. “It is a beautiful day,” Orlando said.
The post’s chaplain was called to open the service with prayer; the chaplain eulogized veterans who perished that December day and those who have since gone on. “May we always remember them,” the chaplain closed the prayer. 
Orlando recognized two World War II veterans at the service: Alexander Mouklas and Bob Finn, both long-time VFW members.
Orlando also pointed out the “irony” in the similarity in the number of those who lost their lives at Pearl Harbor and on Sept. 11, 2001 in the Twin Towers. Both days noted on their mildness ended in smoke and sorrowful silence.
According to Orlando, 26 million fought in World War II and 400,000 never returned home.
Dolly McGee sang “The Star Bangled Banner” as the flags held by the Cape May Emerald Society Honor Guard rustled faintly and some openly wiped tears away.
After McGee sang, Orlando welcomed Assemblyman Robert Andrzejczak (D-1st) to the podium. Andrzejczak, an Army veteran, described the events at Pearl Harbor as “the start of the greatest generation…It showed what America was made of,” Andrzejczak said.
Mayor Patrick Rosenello took the podium and commented how “More American citizens have died by Islamic terrorists since Sept. 11.” Rosenello quoted from a speech given by President Franklin D. Roosevelt Dec. 8, 1941.
Roosevelt’s words to a grieving and shocked nation again lingered in the air: “Always we will remember the assault against us.” Rosenello concluded by saying “In 74 years, they will speak of our ‘ultimate victory’ against terrorists.”
Wildwood Mayor Ernie Troiano reflected on how “A lot of young people today don’t get it.” Troiano, however, praised those of the present generation who do “get it” and also serve their country in the armed forces.
Orlando, after speaking of his grandparents who sent five sons to war, threw a memorial wreath into the water of the Hereford Inlet as the clear ring of “Taps” sounded.
McGee sang “God Bless America” and many joined her.
Through war and peace, North Wildwood VFW and those who take the time to remember will continue to gather to remember those who sleep beneath the waters of Pearl Harbor.
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.