The 81st Anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor was celebrated in Springfield on December 7, 2022. On December 7, 1941, Pearl Harbor, on the Island of Oahu, Hawaii, was attacked by the Japanese Imperial Navy. The surprise attack was comprised of 353 Japanese aircraft. The assault, which lasted less than two hours, claimed the lives of more than 2,403 people, wounded 1,000 more and damaged or destroyed 18 American ships and more than 300 airplanes. Eighty-one years later, we gathered to reflect on the day that will forever be remembered as “a date which will live in infamy” and to honor the memory and courage of those that served on that fateful day.

This remembrance ceremony was co-hosted by the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs (IDVA) and the Springfield Elks Lodge #158. Gwen Diehl, IDVA, was the moderator and the following offered remarks:  James Langfelder, Mayor of Springfield; Terry Prince, Director, Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs; John Carrigan, VP, World War II Memorial Committee; and Bobby Edwards, Department of Illinois VFW District 10 Commander. Governor Pritzker sent a proclamation naming December 7th as Pearl Harbor Remembrance day in Illinois.

The indoor ceremony was followed by casting memorial wreaths into Lake Springfield, a three volley salute, and bagpipes playing Amazing Grace.