Robert Kaufman (R), the living American on board the USS Missouri witnessing Japan's surrender during World War II, attends the 76th Commemoration on Pearl Harbor Attack at the Navy Memorial Plaza in Washington D.C., the Unite States, on Dec. 7, 2017. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu)
NATIONAL REMEMBRANCE DAY
Later in White House, U.S. President Donald Trump proclaimed December 7, 2017 as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day witnessed by six Pearl Harbor survivors.
"76 years ago today, Japanese air and naval forces carried out an unprovoked surprise attack on American military installations in Oahu, Hawaii," Trump said. "This horrific act of aggression galvanized the Nation and propelled us into World War II. Americans would not awaken to another peaceful dawn for nearly 4 long years."
"Though the decades have passed, we are careful to never forget the lessons of Pearl Harbor," he said in the proclamation, encouraging "all Americans to observe this solemn day of remembrance... with appropriate ceremonies and activities."
He also urged all U.S. federal agencies and interested organizations and individuals to fly the U.S. flag at half-staff in honor of those who died as a result of their service at Pearl Harbor.
"Remember Pearl Harbor," he added.
STORY NEEDED TO BE TOLD
There was another commemoration ceremony that caught eyes, as the daughter of a U.S. navy veteran received a medal on her father's behalf.
Joe George was a young sailor 76 years ago who risked his life in the fiery Japanese ambush to rescue the last six survivors from the sinking USS Arizona, ignoring the order to cast off. But due to a lack of eyewitness account and his failure to follow orders, he was not rewarded while alive.
Thanks to the efforts of the relatives of the men he rescued, his story was taken all the way to the White House and the Congress, which allowed his daughter Ann Taylor to represent her father and receive a Bronze Star Medal for valor from a Navy admiral.
"Whatever medal it is doesn't matter," Taylor was quoted as saying by USA Today. "It was a story that needed to be told. It was a huge part of history, for those men who were true heroes."
U.S. Senator Cory Gardner, who helps introduce a resolution honoring Joe George, said the medal "handed the Navy an opportunity to finally do right by Joe and finally recognize the unquestionable courage and heroism he demonstrated during the attack on Pearl Harbor."
Senator Jeff Flake also said that "this had to be resolved by December 7," since "we're running out of time. We are losing these heroes every day."
