West Mifflin Area High School remembers attack on Pearl Harbor

Veterans were honored at a Pearl Harbor remembrance ceremony at West Mifflin Area High School on Monday.

Held 73 years and a day after the infamous attack by the Japanese on the American naval fleet in Hawaii that brought this country into World War II, the event featured speakers who said future generations should not forget lessons learned from the assault.

“The memory of Dec. 7 must remain etched forever in the mind of succeeding generations. Coupled with the images of Sept. 11, they must paint the unforgettable collage of the price extracted by the lack of military preparedness. The memory of Pearl Harbor must be the symbol of the consequence of underestimating the threats to peace and world stability,” said keynote speaker Gary Ruston, quartermaster of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Intrepid Post 914 in West Mifflin.

The post sponsored the annual event with help from the school and its Air Force Junior ROTC program.

Ruston, who graduated from the old West Mifflin South High School in 1973 and served nine years in the Navy, said Pearl Harbor Day represents “a lesson for all ages over the ages. That is why we are here today.”

Joining Ruston on the auditorium stage were a number of local veterans, including Pearl Harbor survivor Seaman 1st Class Pearson Harkema of Monessen.

State Rep. Bill Kortz, D-Dravosburg, said veterans like Harkema fought for the future of the United States after the attack.

“Pearl Harbor was the singular event that plunged America into a terrible global war. A war so terrible that 60 million people died. The greatest generation rose to meet the challenge and met it they did. Pearson Harkema is part of that greatest generation,” Kortz said.

As in previous years, the high school's music department provided a tribute to all branches of the military. Veterans in the audience stood when their respective song was played.

In addition, the high school choir and chamber strings performed “Leaves of Grass.”

Junior ROTC students served as color guard for the event.

Post 914 Commander Jake Bradich said at the start of the ceremony that the lives of those who died in the attack should always be remembered.

“Seventy-three years later in our nation's battle against terror, we must remain vigilant to guarantee that the sacrifices of these warriors are not made in vain. We must never take our freedom for granted,” Bradich said.

He said the efforts and sacrifices of veterans and active military members “demand our gratitude and respect. We must work to see that their patriotic service remains a constant reminder of our responsibility to foster democracy around the world.”

Eric Slagle is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. He can be reached at 412-664-9161, ext. 1966, or eslagle@tribweb.com.