CARIBOU, Maine — The Pearl Harbor attack, an event that led to U.S. involvement in World War II, held its 75th anniversary on Dec. 7, 2016.
For over half a century, local veterans have honored those lost on that day by holding a ceremony on the Fort Street bridge.
According to VFW State Adjutant Andre Dumas, a local Pearl Harbor survivor named Warren Bouchard initiated the event “over 50 years ago.” Dumas says Bouchard was the last Pearl Harbor survivor who belonged to the Caribou veterans’ organizations (Lister-Knowlton Post #9389 VFW and the Henry B. Pratt Post #15 American Legion).
For the past 42 years, Dumas has been holding the Dec. 7 event on the bridge, ensuring that lost lives are not forgotten.
“The 75th anniversary means a lot since Pearl Harbor was the launching point for America’s involvement in World War II,” said VFW Post 9389 Commander Roger Felix. “It was the straw that broke the camel’s back, so to speak. We were on the verge of war and Britain wanted us to support them against Germany. However, if it weren’t for Japan attacking Pearl Harbor, chances are that America wouldn’t have engaged as quickly.”
Felix said it was remarkable that the United States was capable of forming a two million man army over the course of a year and a half.
“It was the start of what is now known as the Greatest Generation of veterans, because the military was at the lowest number of people in history,” Felix said. “Then, in a short amount of time, the U.S. recruited and trained entire armies to go all over the world. It proves that, regardless of our political differences, when the rubber meets the road and something happens to this great country, Americans will stand back to back and fight to protect freedom and each other.”
Police cars on both sides of the Fort Street bridge in Caribou flashed their sirens as officers blocked traffic during the Wednesday morning ceremony.
Caribou Police Chief Michael Gahagan, among other community members, attended the ceremony.
“As always, we’re here to dedicate and remember the lives lost on that dreadful day and to reflect on why we have freedom,” Gahagan said.
The 75th anniversary event began with a prayer from Caribou Legion Post 15 Chaplain Wanda Smith and a speech read by Phil Bosse on behalf of U.S. Senator Susan Collins.
“Our soldiers, airmen, sailors, Marines, and members of the Coast Guard, and Merchant Marine did not come from a society steeped in militarism and the desire for conquest,” said Bosse, reading the senator’s statement. “Whether they came from out great cities, the Great Plains, or the farms and fishing villages of Maine, they came from places that desired peace and that cherished freedom. When the crisis came, the American character bound them together in a great common cause on behalf of humanity.”
