By Betsy Finklea
The Dillon County News, LLC
A program to celebrate those who were killed at Pearl Harbor was held at the Veterans Square at the Dillon City-County Complex on Sunday, December 7th.
It was held by the Dillon County Veterans of the Year Organization.
DCVOYO Thom Thompson welcomed those in attendance and gave the history of Pearl Harbor Day.
He said on Sunday, December 7, 1941, 183 bombers from the Japanese Air Service attacked the U.S. Naval Station near Honolulu, Hawaii, killing over 2,000 Americans (both military and civilians) and injuring over 1,100 others. It struck four U.S. battleships and damaged many others. He said that we are here to honor those unsuspecting Americans, many of whom were still in their beds at the time of the attack. He said they fought the best they could with what they had. Only two airplanes were able to get up in defense of this attack. Thompson said he couldn’t say anything good came out of this attack except for the patriotism of Americans and a new readiness to always go to war. He said the Japanese never celebrate Pearl Harbor just as Americans never celebrate Hiroshima and Nagasaki when the atom bomb was dropped. He said we know these are things that we do not celebrate.
Mayor Tally McColl said this is an important day not just in Dillon County but in the world. He said it was a remembrance of those in Pearl Harbor. He said even though this was half a world away there were far-reaching effects even to Dillon County. Earl Hood was killed. Jack McLaurin served in Pearl Harbor.
Pastor James Orr of the Pee Dee Baptist Association gave the prayer.
Taniya Owens sang God Bless America.
Rep. Jackie Hayes then came forward and gave his remarks. He spoke about the history of the day at Pearl Harbor and how it brought the United States into World War II. He said it was meant to shatter the American confidence, but it had the opposite effect and united us. Pearl Harbor revealed a deep burning flame of courage and resilience in the hearts of the American people and reminded the world that the United States does not back down from a fight.
Then the wreath was placed at the wall of those who died in war. The wreath was donated by Jackie Hayes in honor of his father.
Commander Thompson then offered some remarks about Jackie’s father, Jack, and how his ideals are reflected in Jackie and the Hayes family.
Dillon County Councilman Kenny Cook then spoke. He said he and council would love to do anything they can to help the veterans.
James Orr then gave the benediction.
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