Cleveland still remembers Pearl Harbor Day

CLEVELAND, Tennessee (WDEF) – Residents in Cleveland remember a day more than 70 years ago that changed the nation forever.

Today, is Pearl Harbor day.

That’s when the Japanese bombed Hawaii, and sent the United States into World War Two.

News 12’s Ashley Henderson has a look back.

“December 7, 1941 – a date which will live in infamy . . .” Most people only know about the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor from old black and white film footage.

But a few of the men who fought in that war are still around today. Cleveland, Tennessee hosted a 77th Anniversary Pearl Harbor Remembrance Ceremony at the Elks Lodge this morning.

The guest speaker was Margot Still, manager of the Cleveland Library’s History Branch. She recalled the warnings from Washington, released 25 hours after the Pearl Harbor attacks.

“Everybody was freaking out about air raids.”

Still said the possibility of air attacks on the mainland seemed quite possible at the time.

“What they tell you is: number one, keep cool.
If you hear planes, turn off your lights.
Lie down. You are least likely to feel the brunt of the blast.”

Claude Hardison is a member of the Sons of the American Revolution.

He remembers his family reacting to the air raid sirens.

“I can remember my family putting up curtains over the windows when the sirens would go off.”

He says events like this are important for the country to continue observing.

“I think it brings back, I think the patriotism that was brought forth at that time, and I think that anytime we’re involved in a conflict that should stimulate some patriotism in this county.”

Jack Gish worked in armament on the B-24 Liberator.

“It was just something I had to do and I did it.”

Norman Barnard was a crew chief for the Marauder B-26. He will turn 100 on Christmas day.

“It brings back a lot of memories. I lost a lot of good buddies. You learned right quick though, not to get too close to somebody, ’cause they were there today and gone tomorrow.”

“Most people don’t know what war is. War’s nothing but hell, that’s just all there is to it.”

Cleveland Tennessee is one of the few places in the United States outside of Honolulu, that still has a Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day observance. In Cleveland, Ashley Henderson, News 12 Now.