In Valley Forge, Pa., Pearl Harbor Survivors Mark 70th Anniversary Of Japanese Attack
By David Madden
VALLEY FORGE, Pa. (CBS) -- Seventy years ago today, America was dragged into World War II by the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.
Today, only a handful of survivors were well enough to attend a memorial service on the grounds of the Freedoms Foundation, in Valley Forge, joining about a hundred other attendees who pledged to never allow America to forget that "day of infamy."
Pennsylvania's lone remaining chapter of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association insists its members will continue with these memorials, even as their national association in Hawaii is disbanding.
Their numbers are dwindling -- age does take its toll. But those attending believe that young people must learn from history.
"They don't know too much about it unless they see the movies or something," says 89-year-old Alec Horanzy of Northeast Philadelphia. "Who are the heroes today? The football players, the ball players, the hockey players. Pearl Harbor survivors… who are they?"
And he vows to be here next year if he's healthy. This year just three colleagues joined him. The challenge going forward will be for family members, historians, and those who care to keep the memories and lessons alive.
