On December 7, 2024 local members of the Sons & Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors (SDPHS), Don & Emily Thompson (Emily’s father, Maurice Grafton was a Pearl Harbor Survivor) and Chuck Bott a member of the Sons & Daughters of the American Legion, attended the 83rd Pearl Harbor Remembrance Ceremony hosted by the Springfield Elks Lodge #158.

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-three years after the Pearl Harbor attack, 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 who served on that fateful day. The program was led by Bobby Edwards, Past All American Triple Crown State Commander, VFW/Elks Past Exalted Ruler. Others that participated included: Matthew Willis, Past All American Post & District Commander, VFW/Elks Exalted Ruler; Mike Disco, Chief of Staff of Springfield Mayor’s Office; John Carrigan, President, WWII Veterans Memorial Board. Adding meaning to the Wreath Laying of the Memorial Wreaths into Lake Springfield were Steve Scaife (Bagpipes), Three Volley Salute & Taps (Inter-Veterans Burial Detail) and The Living History Detachment who lined the walkway to the Lake in authentic garb of past military branches.

Other members of Chapter #1 SDPHS attending the ceremony were:  Jim and Cheryl Triplett (Decatur), Steven Lee Browning (Montrose), Carlissa Puckett (Fort Worth, TX), Jordan Crawford (a Great-Grandson of a Pearl Harbor Survivor) and his 13-year-old daughter, Sophia (a Great, Great-Granddaughter of a Pearl Harbor Survivor) (both from Springfield), Charlotta Janes (Matoon). 

After the ceremony, the SDPHS committed to donating $500 to Jim Triplett’s chaperone expenses for his upcoming Honor Flight.