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Ashtabula veterans mark 79th anniversary of Pearl Harbor Day

Star Beacon - 12/8/2020

Dec. 8--ASHTABULA -- The Ashtabula County Marine Corps League held a ceremony Monday, marking the 79th anniversary of the attack of Pearl Harbor that drew the United States into World War II.

Less than a dozen spectators showed up for a ceremony consisting of prayers, a speech and a rifle salute followed by Taps at Veterans Memorial Park.

"So many things are not happening because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but this was one thing we couldn't let go," said Tim Dibble, past commandant of the Marine CorpsLeague Detachment 782.

After the Pledge of Allegiance and posting of the colors by the American Legion color guard, Rev. Len Jury said a prayer asking for "God's guidance and mercy for our leaders and our country."

In his speech, Dibble gave a brief history of the 90-minute attack at 7:55 a.m.Dec. 7, 1941 of the U.S. Pacific fleet in Hawaii by the Japanese Imperial Navy.

Dibble said it was important to remember Pearl Harbor because of the loss of human life on that day, and to honor the sacrifices made by all American servicemen and women, including one of Ashtabula's own.

"Private Henry Kalinowski was the first Ashtabula County resident to die in World War II, killed as the U.S.S. Arizona sank during the bombing," he said. "Kalinowski was 21 years old at the time and was supposed to be ashore but a friend wanted to marry his sweetheart and so Kalinowski took his place."

The Ashtabula chapter of the Marine Corps League is named after Kalinowski, who was an Ashtabula native.

"Americans need to remember what happened at Pearl Harbor on that day," Dibble said. "On this day we pay tribute to all those servicemen and women who fought and sacrificed for us."

He said Americans should remember Pearl Harbor because the nation needs to stay strong and citizens must remain vigilant.

"America was not prepared for the attack," Dibble said. "We must never forget."

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(c)2020 the Star Beacon (Ashtabula, Ohio)

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