Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day is officially Dec. 7, and the We Can Be Heroes Foundation is doing its part to make sure the anniversary of that fateful day is honored with a ceremonial luncheon Dec. 10 from noon to 1 p.m. at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena.
Local World War II veterans will be in attendance, including John Connelly, who spent time as a prisoner of war, and centenarian Fred Pappas.
However, all World War II veterans and their families are invited to join in the ceremony, which will begin with a pre-lunch reception beginning at 11:15 a.m. where the public will have the opportunity to interact and take photos with the World War II veterans.
Pearl Harbor Day commemorates the Japanese attack on U.S. forces at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, which led to the United States’ role and entrance into World War II.
Part of the ceremony’s presentation will include historian, author and professor Dr. Wesley Moody share rare stories and explore the effect the events of Pearl Harbor had and “America’s least known World War II fighter pilot.”
The remembrance luncheon will also serve as a fundraiser to benefit the Atlantic Coast Young Marines, who are raising money to visit historic Pearl Harbor sites in the future.
Young Marine Palase Randall will also have his graduation ceremony from the organization at the event.
The event is an annual happening and one of many events the We Can Be Heroes Foundation puts on throughout the year to remember and honor veterans from throughout the years.
The We Can Be Heroes Foundation is an all-volunteer, nonprofit foundation headquartered in Jacksonville.
The Foundation publicizes courageous heroes and unsung heroes’ stories by hosting tributes to heroes and offering educational forums on America’s founding values while seeking to help veterans and those in need.
One of the additional ways they go about honoring veterans is with their online “Wall of Heroes” photo gallery for the public to honor their past and present heroes.
Adding to the vibes of the event will be soloist Karim Zabaneh who will provide live entertainment by singing a mix of patriotic and Christmas music.
A limited number of tickets are available online at WeCanBeHeroesFoundation.org or by calling 904-373-8817.
