“We are here today to recall an event that changed the course of history, but it also united our country,” North Georgia Honor Guard Commander Bill Stodghill said during the honor guard’s Pearl Harbor Day Ceremony held Monday, December 7, 75 years after the surprise attack by the Japanese on the United States naval base in Pearl Harbor December 7, 1941.
“79 years ago, the attack on Pearl Harbor woke up a sleeping giant, and with it produced what has been called the greatest generation,” Stodghill continued. “That day of infamy, as it was referred to, produced many, many casualties. Over 3,500 men, 1,800 ships sunk or damaged, more than 50 aircrafts destroyed. Although it was a day of great tragedy, it was also a day that served reignite our national pride and our national spirit.”
He implored those in attendance to remember the thousands of soldiers who lost their lives that day, as well as the soldiers who went on serve the country after.
“The attack on Pearl Harbor taught us that we need to be ever vigilant to protect our way of life,” she said. “It taught us the necessity of maintaining a strong defense and a well-trained and well-equipped military able to sustain the efforts of those wanting to take away our freedoms.
“For nearly 60 years, the lessons learned from the attack on Pearl Harbor kept our nation safe and secure, but we learned on September 11, 2001, that we must never let our guard down. And, because we enjoy our abundance of freedom in this country, we are not exempt from danger. Many of the survivors of Pearl Harbor are no longer with us. Many of them went on to serve in other places. Some of them became casualties in other battles. A good many returned home to their families and friends and quietly resumed their lives as civilians. Their contributions, their sacrifice and their steadfast devotion to God and duty to their country and families provide us with examples that we need to follow today in our lives everyday.”
Stodghill spoke to the inspiration provided by those soldiers, stating, “We remain inspired by their diligence and they’re perseverance, and today we are strengthened by the memory of their actions. Let us leaver here today equally resolved in our determination to serve our nation as well as they did.”
Stodghill also spoke to the significance of the American Flag, stating, “Our flag is a symbol of our country. It’s red because of the blood that’s shed by men and women to keep our country free. The white symbolizes peace. Blue is for our true-blue loyalty to it and our people. The stars are a symbol of our states. They shine for our future.
“It’s a banner of love and devotion to our country. It’s also a symbol of our country’s heritage. It represents untold noble deeds and sacrifices. We pledge allegiance to our flag. It represents our strengths and our honor for all the American ideals that value and cherish. It also unifies us as one nation under God. It represents all of the people of the United States of America – we the people.”