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Valley WWII vets remember Pearl Harbor
Posted: 12.06.2010 at 11:36 PM
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December 7th, 1941 a day that will live forever in history.

Local veteran Aldo Peter spoke to Action 4 News recalling the "day that will live in infamy."

"Here it is 2010 and we still cry over it," Peter said. "It was a devastating thing that the Japanese did to us, and it's something that we'll never forget."

Over 300 hundred Japanese warplanes attacked the home base of the United States pacific fleet at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii.

The following day, Congress declared war against Japan.

"It was an act of war, they didn't know they were waking up a sleeping giant", Peter said.

Action 4 News caught up with Peter and other local veterans inside the San Benito Elks Lodge.

Earl Groh tells us his good friend was a fellow Pearl Harbor Survivor.

Groh says his friend passed away a year and a half ago.

"He drew a map of the island, battle ship row and he showed me exactly where the ship was, the Argon," Groh said. "When they did the first fly over of Pearl Harbor in the movie, we both pointed right at his ship."

Groh said the movie matched his friend's memory exactly.

“I said Hap your memory is just amazing and he said a lot of things are etched in your mind forever.” Groh added.

Veteran Jackie McCourt tells Action 4 News he's also heard the stories from Pearl Harbor survivors.

"He said that it was a horrifying experience, an experience that he can never forget", McCourt said.

A Pearl Harbor memorial still stands.

Veteran Milton Phipps says he's been to the site many times.

"It is a heart rendering experience, to stand above the Arizona and watch the bubbles come out of the ocean, our brothers are still there", said Phipps.

Over 2,000 thousand people lost their loves that December day, a day that will always be remembered.

 

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