Community Corner
Today is Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
Today marks the 70th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, which propelled America into the World War II.
Today, Dec. 7, is Pearl Harbor Day, "a date which will live in infamy" according to President Franklin Roosevelt. Thousands of lives were lost and a major portion of America’s Pacific fleet was in pieces following a surprise attack by the Imperial Japanese Navy on Dec. 7, 1941. That action catapulted the U.S. into World War II.
Gov. Dannel P. Malloy has ordered flags to half-staff in recognition of Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day to honor the lives lost in the attack on Pearl Harbor.
"This is a day to reflect on one of the darkest moments in our nation’s history, and to honor the courage shown by our armed forces during the battle at Pearl Harbor and in World War II,” Malloy said in a prepared statement. “Today is an opportunity to recognize these heroes and their bravery, and to recall the sacrifices they made on behalf of a grateful country.”
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Tonight at the , Purple Hearts by Burgess Clark is the next free "Evenings @7" play reading. Because of its storyline related to the events at Pearl Harbor, the play reading will be held today – the 70th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor.
According to the theater’s Web site, Susan Bailey of Glastonbury directs the story of three Navy men coping with the ordeal of a lifetime in the days and weeks following the attack. Whitman, Lewis and Spooner hold different ranks and have led very different lives. But their unique circumstances force them to look beyond each other's standing as they begin to understand the men they really are. Back home, the women in their lives wait, wonder and worry about the men they love.
Find out what's happening in Manchesterwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The cast includes Jim Power, James Galarneau and Jill Luberto of Manchester, Jim Ryan of Meriden, Laura DeBrincat-LaCour of Mansfield Center and Marge Patefield of Enfield. Bob Morrison of Glastonbury is the production manager.
Everyone knows of the sinking of the USS Arizona on that beautiful Hawaiian Sunday morning in December of 1941. But there were other ships and other crew in the harbor who became casualties that day. Purple Hearts is a haunting story based on chilling events about one of those other ships – the USS West Virginia – facts that most people haven't heard nearly as much about.
Please note: This production contains strong language.
For a history of the Pearl Harbor raid, visit the Naval History and Heritage Command Web site. Here you will also find dramatic images of this historic day.
