Remembrance Ceremony For 75th Anniversary Of Pearl Harbor Attack Planned

TOMS RIVER, NJ — Before Sept. 11, there was a date that was burned in the memory of millions of Americans as the worst day in the country's history: Dec. 7, 1941.

The attack by the Japanese on Pearl Harbor killed more than 2,000 American soldiers and wounded more than 1,000 more, and destroyed nearly 20 Navy vessels and more than 300 airplanes, and it drew the United States into World War II in the Pacific.

Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2016, will mark 75 years since that day, which President Franklin D. Roosevelt called "The day that will live in infamy."

In honor of the lives lost and the lives changed that day, the Ocean County Library will hold a remembrance ceremony on Dec. 7 at the Toms River branch at 101 Washington St.

The program will include video clips taken of the attack, artifacts from the era, and reflections about the war from World War II Marine veteran Jim DiPiazza, who fought in the Pacific Theater. DiPiazza enlisted in the Marines in 1943 and served in the Philippines, often behind enemy lines, and at Iwo Jima.

“As we look back on this time in our history we cannot forget the valiant men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice that day and to all of the military personnel who today continue to fight for our democracy and freedom,” Freeholder Joseph H. Vicari said. “Ocean County is home to the largest veteran population in the state. The Ocean County Board of Freeholders takes great pride in knowing more than 60,000 veterans call Ocean County home. We will never forget their service to this great country.”

The program begins at 2 p.m. It is free and open to the public but registration is requested.

For more information about the program or to register call the Toms River Branch at 732-349-6200 or visit its website www.theoceancountylibrary.org , click on the “Events & News” icon, then click on “Calendar of Events.”

Pearl Harbor memorial to the battleship USS Arizona, by Bryan Dorrough, via Flickr, under Creative Commons license