While wreaths were thrown into the waters, concealing the wrecks of dozens of military ships and planes thousands of miles away in Hawaii, you could have commemorated the events of Pearl Harbor along the shores of Sturgeon Bay. The Door County Maritime Museum hosted its second annual Pearl Harbor remembrance ceremony outside of the museum’s doors in front of the Tug John Purves, which served in active duty during World War II as the Tug Butterfield. One of the guests of Honor was Navy Seamen 1st Class Rolland Briar, who was aboard the USS Whitney when the Japanese began their assault on the military base 82 years ago. A short distance away from the USS Whitney at Hickham Air Field was the father of Wayne Amborn, who told the story of the day of infamy through his dad's eyes.
Door County Maritime Museum Executive Director Kevin Osgood said during his comments that we should be thankful for the work of the military members who have served the country before, during, and after the Pearl Harbor attacks.
The attack on Pearl Harbor claimed the lives of over 2,400 Americans ranging from seven months old to 59 years old. It also destroyed or damaged 19 U.S. Navy Ships. The United States entered World War II one day later, on December 8th.
