70th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor Remembered Locally

Drawing comparisons between what happened at Pearl Harbor 70 years ago and what happened at the World Trade Center ten years ago, veterans, officials and friends gathered to remember tragedy yesterday afternoon.

On Dec. 7, 1941 the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor and killed nearly 2,400 American service men and women, launching the United State into WWII. The day has lived on as "a day of infamy," as President Franklin Delano Roosevelt said 70 years ago.

At the 70th Anniversary Remembrance Ceremony, hosted by the City of Peekskill at and co-sponsored by the Town of Cortlandt and Villages of Buchanan and Croton-on-Hudson, several veterans spoke, including WWII veteran Russ Harrison. "It is an honor to be here and honor the United States service and sacrafice against oppression and tyranny," Harrison said, after reflecting on his time at war.

"Pearl Harbor must remain a reminder of our continued obligation to remain free and strong."

Korean War Veteran Donahue and Willy Nazario, Commander of Chapter 21 of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, also spoke. Nazario emphasized the importance of never forgetting Pearl Harbor, just like we should never forget 9-11.

"We are resiliant and honor those that have served," Nazario said of the United States.

Other speakers included Mayor Mary Foster, County Legislator John Testa and Cortlandt Town Supervisor Linda Puglisi. The Mayor of Croton, Leo Weigman, was unable to attend.

Click through the photos above to read more about each speakers comments.