Collier County veterans commemorate 80 years since Pearl Harbor attack

Reporter: Taylor Wirtz Writer: Joey Pellegrino
Published: Updated:
The battleship USS Arizona belches smoke as it topples over into the sea during the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on Dec. 7, 1941 – Photo by AP.

Tuesday marks 80 years since the attack on Pearl Harbor, and veterans will gather in Naples for an event commemorating the momentous day and raise money for Wounded Warriors.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt called it a day that will live in infamy—more than 2,000 Americans lost their lives, and the country was thrust into World War II. An All-American Holiday Celebration will recognize all veterans in Collier County while paying tribute to those who lost their lives on this day 80 years ago.

The evening, held at DeVoe Cadillac at 4100 Tamiami Trial N. in Naples, from 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., will kick off with an opening ceremony featuring a presentation of colors by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7721, a 21-gun salute and a flyover. There will be food, drinks and two different live bands. All proceeds are going to the Wounded Warriors of Collier County, which aims to end veteran homelessness in the county.

Dale Mullin, the president and founder of Wounded Warriors of Collier County, spoke about why this day is so important to remember.

“I think that we continue to need to remember all that served in previous wars on days like today and tomorrow so that we remember our veterans and never forget the sacrifices they made, sacrifices their family made to defend our freedom and protect us from, really, evil in the world,” Mullin said.

Mullin, a veteran himself and someone who works with fellow veterans daily, says younger generations need to study the past in order to avoid mistakes in the future; in keeping the memories of those who died alive, we’re keeping them alive.

“It’s days like… Pearl Harbor Day that we can teach younger generations, like… younger children, the importance of our military, the sacrifices they made, and that freedom isn’t free, and that somebody paid dearly for their freedom,” Mullin said.

Tickets cost $75.

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