SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — We begin with keeping the memory of local heroes alive.
Friday marks 83 years since Japan launched a surprise attack on the U.S. Pacific fleet at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii.
The deadly attack prompted the U.S. To enter World War II.
A plaque stands in Scranton's Courthouse Square.
It was mounted and unveiled for the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor.
"What we did not anticipate was the vast number of people that we would uncover that actually served in the military, at Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941," said Charlie Spano chairman of the 9/11 Memorial Committee of Lackawanna County.
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More than 150 names have been added to the plaque.
It is why the 9/11 Memorial Committee of Lackawanna County hosts their annual Pearl Harbor Remembrance Ceremony every year.
"What they did, their contributions to this country after the war are what made the country grow and become great. We are the beneficiaries of the sacrifice of their life. We must never ever forget that," stated Spano.
This year over a dozen came out to attend.
One of those people is Maria Szymanski. Her late father John Greco of Old Forge is honored on the plaque.
She says as the years go by, remembering the day becomes that much more important.
"I think it's important for future generations to realize the importance of the impact it has on us today," added Szymanski.
A date that will live on in infamy.
