Pearl Harbor Day Ceremony at VFW Post #2534

Wisconsin Rapids, Wis. (WFHR, WIRI) – A solemn program took place at VFW Post #2534 on Saturday with the Pearl Harbor Day Ceremony. Post Commander Shawn Plante led the service along with the Fleet Reserve Association, Branch 238, as well as the South Wood County Allied Veterans Council and member organizations. In his opening remarks, Plante spoke of the tragedies that took place on December 7, 1941.

“Imperial Japanese forces made a surprise attack on the American forces based at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. In an instant, war began for America. What ensued would become memories of terror, confusion and bravery of those who suddenly found the peaceful Hawaiian paradise shattered by bombs and bullets wreaking death and devastation all around them. More than 2000 American citizens were killed and more than 1000 were injured. The Americans also lost a large proportion of their battle ships and nearly 200 aircraft that were stationed in the Pacific region.” 

The day after the attack, the United States declared war on Japan and entered World War II. In his speech to Congress, President Franklin Roosevelt stated that the bombing of Pearl Harbor was “a date which will live in infamy”.

Fleet Reserve Association, Branch 238

Guest Speaker, US Coastguard Veteran Mike ‘Gunner’ Pohl is with the Fleet Reserve Association, Branch 238. Gunner spoke on the lives lost that day. 

“Two thousand four hundred plus Sailors, Marines, Army, and Civilians perished. It’s the human cost of freedom we remember today. Yes, it is a day of infamy, but I wear my uniform today to honor those service men and women who died at 7:55 AM on 7 December 1941. Many of my fellow Sailors that perished are still at their battle stations on the Arizona, on the Utah.”

Gunner said he’s been to Pearl Harbor three times and each time he’s humbled to be in the presence of heroes. He said on this day the general population may go about their business not realizing what Pearl Harbor Day means or what it should mean to them. Gunner asked the question, what would our country look like if our nation didn’t rise up and defeat tyranny and oppression worldwide in 1945? He closed his comments by stating that the members of the generation that kept us free in WWII will soon be gone. We need to keep their memory alive for posterity. 

Flag Presentation

Post Commander Shawn Plante read the Certificate of Authenticity and presented the U.S. Flag flown over the U.S.S. Arizona memorial. The Honor Guard posted the Memorial Flag on the main flag pole to fly over the Buckley-Baldwin VFW Post #2534 until sunset on December 7th, 2024, in honor of the fallen.

While the flag was raised, Plante read a passage detailing what happened after Admiral Chester Nimitz was assigned Commander of the Pacific Fleet by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. On Christmas Day, 1941 Admiral Nimitz toured the destruction in Pearl Harbor. Despite the tragedy and despair everywhere, Admiral Nimitz pointed out the mistakes made by the invading Japanese attack force. 

• Mistake #1: They attacked on a Sunday morning when nine out of every ten crewmen were on shore leave.
• Mistake #2: They destroyed battleships, but left the dry docks intact. This would allow U.S. forces to raise damaged ships and repair them.
• Mistake #3: They didn’t destroy the top-of-the-ground fuel storage tanks located only five miles away. These held the U.S. forces entire fuel supply.

President Roosevelt chose the right man for the job in Admiral Nimitz. He could see the silver lining in the midst of the clouds of dejection, despair, and defeat.

Rifle Salute and Playing of Taps

The Commander of the Rifle Squad presented the Rifle Salute. Five members from VFW Post #2534 firing rounds into the air. The playing of Taps followed.

Conclusion of Ceremony

The Pearl Harbor Day Ceremony concluded with Mike ‘Gunner’ Pohl conducting the Two Bells Ceremony. This solemn ceremony symbolizes the tolling of the ship’s bells marking the end of the routine day aboard a ship. It honors those departed shipmates with a moment of reverence in memory of those who have gone before us.

The service ended with Post Commander Plante thanking those in attendance. Everyone was invited to the Elks Lodge for a luncheon.