Ducey orders flags to half-staff in memory of Pearl Harbor attack
Dec 7, 2017, 1:02 PM
(AP Photo, File)
(AP Photo, File)
PHOENIX — Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey ordered flags flown at half-staff Thursday in memory of the attack on Pearl Harbor more than 70 years ago.
“For the last 76 years, America has not forgotten those lost to the horrible attack at Pearl Harbor,” Ducey said in a statement.
The governor said his state shares a bond with the attack that killed more than 2,400 service members.
“The state of Arizona feels an especially poignant connection since nearly half of the crewmen killed were aboard the USS Arizona,” he said. “Let’s pay our respects to the 1,177 lives that passed that day on the historic battleship named after our state.”
Most of the Arizona’s fallen are entombed in the battleship, which lies at the bottom of the harbor.
Ducey said Pearl Harbor Remberance Day has become a symbol for American strength, resiliency and sacrifice.
Numerous ceremonies marking the day were held nationwide, including at Pearl Harbor.
The Hawaii ceremony began with a moment of silence in honor of those who lost their lives. The moment was timed for 7:55 a.m. — the same time the attack began.
Four Hawaii Air National Guard F-22 fighter jets broke the silence, with one plane peeling off from the group to symbolize servicemen still missing.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
