Pearl Harbor dead remembered on 71st anniversary

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (AP) — More than 2,000 people are gathering at Pearl Harbor on Friday to mark the 71st anniversary of the Japanese attack that killed thousands of people and launched the United States into World War II.

Ceremonies get under way with a moment of silence at 7:55 a.m., the exact time the bombing began in 1941.

The crew of a Navy guided-missile destroyer will stand on deck while the ship passes the USS Arizona, a battleship that still lies in the harbor where it sank. Hawaii Air National Guard aircraft will fly overhead.

The Navy and National Park Service are hosting the ceremonies, which are being held in remembrance of the 2,390 service members and 49 civilians killed in the attack.

Friday events also will give special recognition to members of the Women Airforce Service Pilots, who flew noncombat missions during World War II, and to Ray Emory, a 91-year-old Pearl Harbor survivor who has pushed to identify the remains of unknown servicemen.

Admiral Cecil Haney, commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, is scheduled to give the keynote address. The ceremony will also include a Hawaiian blessing, songs played by the U.S. Pacific Fleet band and a rifle salute from the U.S. Marine Corps.

President Barack Obama marked the day on Thursday by issuing a presidential proclamation, calling for flags to fly at half-staff on Friday and asking all Americans to observe the day of remembrance and honor military service members and veterans.

“Today, we pay solemn tribute to America’s sons and daughters who made the ultimate sacrifice at Oahu,” Obama said in a statement. “As we do, let us also reaffirm that their legacy will always burn bright — whether in the memory of those who knew them, the spirit of service that guides our men and women in uniform today, or the heart of the country they kept strong and free.”

The Navy and park service will resume taking visitors to the USS Arizona Memorial, which sits atop the sunken battleship, after the ceremony.

SportsPlus

News

Trump’s Pennsylvania town hall turns into impromptu concert after medical incidents

News

Walz to unveil Harris’ plan for rural voters as campaign looks to cut into Trump’s edge

News

Pumpkin weighing 2,471 pounds wins California contest

Education

Green, Fadness honored during Monday night’s APS Board meeting

Mower County

Austi-Con Tabletop Game Convention returns for year eight

Mower County

Minnesota Supreme Court Associate Justice Anne McKeig connects with AHS Students

Education

Connective Education: Austin Online Academy seeing growth, rising GPA’s

Mower County

220,006 ballots accepted in first three weeks

Mower County

In Your Community: Duplicate Bridge

Mower County

Mower County 4-H’ers participate in Minnesota 4-H State Horse Show

Crime, Courts & Emergencies

Convictions: Sept. 30-Oct. 7

News

US inflation reaches lowest point in 3 years, though some price pressures remain

News

Ethel Kennedy, social activist and wife of Robert F. Kennedy, has died

Education

Austin Aspires celebrates, with gratitude, 10 years

News

Milton knocks out power to millions and spawns tornadoes across Florida. At least 5 dead

Mower County

Photos: Pacelli crowns its Homecoming king and queen

Mower County

Photos: Fire Department opens to the public for annual open house

Education

Austin Community Scholarship Committee awards $54,000 for 2024-25

Mower County

Fourth Grade Junior Fire Poster Contest winners named

Mower County

City Council votes to support Discover Austin position for another year

Law Enforcement

Revision to APD hiring incentive gets approved

Business

Hormel expands efforts to tackle food insecurity during Hunger Action Month

Agriculture

4-Hers attend livestock encampment at state fair

Mower County

2024 Thrive Women’s Conference this weekend