US Navy Commemorates 70th Anniversary of 1941 Attack

The U.S. Navy is participating in a ceremony at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, Dec. 7, in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the 1941 attack and of those who lost their lives during the raid.

Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus will speak at the event that will also feature a pass-in-review by USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93).

The 70th anniversary commemoration is expected draw several Pearl Harbor survivors.

Edward Borucki served aboard World War II cruiser USS Helena and witnessed the attack firsthand.

“We were at Dock 10 across from the Battleship Row,” he said. “Twelve-seven was the day. Remember Pearl Harbor, December 7th, the day of infamy. I’ll never forget that.”

Borucki’s son Peter Borucki made the trip to Pearl Harbor with him.

“It is such an emotional thing to come here, and it’s like a pilgrimage; we come every year,” said Peter Borucki. “I’m very grateful that my father, at 91 years old, is healthy enough to actually make this trip and to listen to the other veterans and hear their stories. It’s so moving, and it’s an experience that I’m grateful that I’m able to take advantage.”

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Naval Today Staff, December 07, 2011; Image: navy