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  The Andrew McBride Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution hosted the observance of the 71st Anniversary of the Bombing of Pearl Harbor on December 7th at the Veterans Wall at Heritage Park. The ceremony began with the Posting of the Colors by the Junior ROTC Color Guard from Ola High School.

L to r: Jim Joyce, Command Sergeant Major, U.S. Army Retired escorts WWII Veteran, E. Jack Turner.       Special photo

  The welcome and invocation were given by Helen Busbin, Regent of the DAR chapter. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Amy Penn. The National Anthem was beautifully rendered by chapter soloist, Susan Hazel. Then the poem, “Pearl Harbor” was read by Anne Gauthier.

  At the precise time of the attack on Pearl Harbor, 12:55 a.m., (7:55 a.m. Hawaiian time), the service stopped for a special tribute and a moment of silence.  Susan Hazel tolled the bell eight times, representing 10 years each for the first 7 rings and 1 for the last year.

  Then the service resumed with Christine Hurst giving an enlightening speech on the events of Pearl Harbor.  Gail East of the William McIntosh Chapter DAR presented an emotional story, “A Sailor Comes Home.”

  Becky Rostron of the Colonel John McIntosh DAR Chapter and State Chair of Commemora-tive Events read the Pearl Harbor Proclamation entitled “Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.”  The proclamation was signed and received from Governor Nathan Deal in November. The framed proclamation was to be presented to the Military Museum at Heritage Park to be placed in the WWII exhibit immediately following the ceremony.

  The keynote speaker, Judge James Chafin, III was introduced by Pat Rosser. The prayer and closing remarks were brought by Helen Busbin and Susan Hazel sang “God Bless America”. Mr. Jack Turner, WWII Veteran, laid the wreath on behalf of the Andrew McBride Chapter and was escorted by Jim Joyce, Command Sergeant Major, US Army Retired

  The 21 gun rifle salute was presented by the Marine Corp League Detachments 1339/1196 and “Taps” was rendered by Jim Houston of Bugles Across America. The Color Guard, Detachment 1339 Marine Corps League “Henry County Leathernecks” retired the Colors, ending the Service.