PORT JERVIS – Residents from both sides of the Delaware River gathered at Port Jervis’ West End Beach on Sunday afternoon to share prayers and reflection on a tragedy of more than a half-century ago at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. At the time Pearl Harbor was part of a U.S. territory that became America’s 50th state, the State of Hawaii, 18-years later.
Tri-States Naval Ship VFW Post #7241 Captain Fabrizzio Morejon led a half-hour Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day 2025 ceremony, noting the lasting memories of the fateful morning of December 7, 1941.
“Eighty-four years have passed, yet the sound of those explosions, the cries of the wounded and the sight of smoke darkening the Pearl Harbor sky remain etched in our nation’s memory,” Morejon said.
Morejon spoke of the sudden and deliberate harbor ambush that cost the lives of 2,403 Americans.
“Those lost were killed while just going about their routine day that early Sunday morning, unaware of what was heading their way,” Morejon said.
“This National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, we not only remember, we honor a debt. We pause to remember every soldier, sailor, airman, Marine and Coast Guardsman who was serving our country on that beautiful, deadly Sunday morning.”
Several late residents of Port Jervis and neighboring communities were among those remembered, and whose stories have been shared, in part, in past recollections.
A memorial wreath was placed in the river as the sound of TAPS carried across the shores and surrounding memorial beach gathering.
Post #7241 Past Captain Roger Fuller offered opening and closing prayers of gratitude, both to God and to those who gave so much for the life, liberty, justice, freedom, and democracy enjoyed in a country that remains free.
“Help us to draw courage from the example of the brave Americans we honor. As we go from here, may we be ever vigilant and ever valiant as individuals and as a grateful nation,” Fuller said.
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