By Briana Vannozzi
Correspondent
Hundreds gathered aboard USS Battleship New Jersey this morning, commemorating the lives of those who died during the surprise attacks on Pearl Harbor.
“My father spent five years in the South Pacific. From Oahu, to Guadalcanal. He never did talk much about those experiences, but I certainly have a clear understanding of the strength of his convictions and love and honor of this country,” said Department of Veterans Affairs Director Diana Rubens.
Many took note that although we’re here almost a century later, times haven’t changed all that much.
“For the people of my generation, the younger ones who didn’t live through it, it was kind of like 9/11. Just out of the blue. The Navy base and Armed Forces stationed Pearl Harbor wide were attacked by the Imperial Navy of Japan. Totally unsuspecting,” said Gloucester County Office of Veterans Affairs Director Duane Sarmiento.
Veterans of all branches and wars dotted the crowd.
“For the World War II veterans here today, and I know there’s several here because you’re sitting up in the front, thank you so much for your service,” Sarmiento said.
“Thank you very much. God bless America. That’s all I can say,” said World War II Colonel John Rawley.
“They really committed themselves to defending the nation. And bringing freedom and keeping freedom in the world,” said U.S. Army Colonel Ted Gallagher.
There was an honorary gun salute and a wreath was tossed over the side of the ship. Newly elected Congressman Donald Norcross gave the keynote speech, following in the footsteps of his predecessor Rob Andrews.
“For those who no longer have voices, there virtually was not a family who was not touched by death or serious injury during World War II,” Norcross said.
It was a fitting backdrop for today’s ceremony.
“As a crew member aboard USS America, the aircraft carrier in Vietnam in 1968, I actually saw the U.S. New Jersey Battleship in Vietnam and she was an impressive sight,” said Vietnam Veteran Walter Waite.
The USS Battleship New Jersey was launched a year after the Pearl Harbor attacks brought America into World War II. The veterans’ association estimates about 2,000 servicemen who survived the attacks, are still living.
“I had the opportunity to go to Pearl Harbor in October and see it, so this has special meaning for me,” Waite said.
The Eastern Regional High School band finished out the day with a medley of military hymns. Organizers say several events around the state are planned for the rest of the weekend.