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Never forgotten: Community gathers to honor patriotism, mark Pearl Harbor Day

By Matt Churella 3 min read

ASHVILLE -- Community members, veterans and students assembled Thursday at VFW Post 4315 to honor patriotism and remember "a date which will live in infamy."

Just before 8 a.m. Dec. 7, 1941, the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service launched a surprise military strike against the United States by bombing the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor, killing nearly 2,000 men, including John Lipple, an Ashville native who died on the USS Arizona.

George A. Wolf Jr., an Altoona native, also died on the battleship.

It's a day that Ray Lenz, a past commander at the Gallitzin American Legion, said he remembers all too well.

"I'll tell you it was a scary day," he told the crowd of 80 people, which included several students from Cambria Heights Middle School and Penn Cambria High School.

Lenz said he flew to Hawaii and witnessed the aftermath.

"It's a scary thing when you have seen what has happened," he said.

Because the attack on Pearl Harbor thrust the nation into World War II, he said it's important to remember what happened and to stay alert for "evil."

"There's so much evil out there," he said. "Whether you believe it or not, the devil is working in overtime."

At the conclusion of World War II, the nation thought it had conquered evil, he said. "But then came Korea, Vietnam and so many others. Young men and women keep standing up to the plate."

State Sen. Wayne Langerholc, R-Cambria, said he feels the meaning of patriotism is lost on the younger generation that hasn't yet witnessed the "true cost of freedom."

Langerholc compared Pearl Harbor to 9/11, since both events shocked the nation and brought Americans closer.

"Every one of these students here wasn't even alive during 9/11. It is of the utmost importance that we continue to carry that torch of remembrance," he said, adding he will always support veterans. "We owe them a debt that can never possibly be repaid."

Retired Col. Douglas Lengenfelder and his wife, retired Maj. Terry Lengenfelder, questioned the students of what they learned about Pearl Harbor.

"We need to remember history so we don't go through life repeating it," Douglas said during his presentation, adding he thinks patriotism plays an important role in strengthening a nation.

"It helps to bring people together, build a stronger nation and it is a positive quality that is good to have," he said.

Dave Seymore, the VFW's 26th district commander, said Pearl Harbor remembrance day stands as a symbol of sacrifice, courage and "the indomitable spirit of our great nation."

"The attack on Pearl Harbor shook our nation to its core. But from the destruction arose a sleeping giant with the renewed sense of purpose," Seymore said.

He said Americans need to understand the importance of remembering those who lost their lives that fateful day while honoring those who currently serve.

"We must continue to carry the torch of their memory, ensuring their brave service and sacrifices are not forgotten. Despite the chaos and fear, they chose to rise up and defend their home.

Even when staring fear, shock and adversity in the face, our nation did not falter. Instead, we stood united. We rebuilt and emerged a stronger, more unified nation."

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