Fleet Reserve Association Branch 290 remembers Pearl Harbor attacks 80 years later

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — On Tuesday, Dec. 7, Americans will honor the 80th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.

In Jacksonville, the Fleet Reserve Association Branch 290 held its own remembrance ceremony in Atlantic Beach on Mayport Road.

One by one, the bell tolls for the shipmates who served during World War Two and for all members of the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Army, Air Force and National Guard who made the ultimate sacrifice to defend this country.

Ruth Penn, the former president of the Fleet Reserve Association Branch 290 said Dec. 7, 1941, is a day that should live on, especially in the minds of the younger generation.

“They really don’t know the lives that were lost during that time. I mean it was horrific and to forget that history of the United State of America it’s just impossible,” Penn said.

The attack on Pearl Harbor 80 years ago is what pushed the U.S. into the Second World War.

Leon Austin was only 13 years old at the time and he remembers the headlines.

“I was mad. I thought the cowards deserved a lesson and I wanted to help give it to them,” Austin said.

Four years later, he enlisted into the Navy, where he served for 30 years.

Austin said people should take a moment today and think about all the brave men and women who served.

“Be proud to be an American and do your best to protect this country,” he said.

Penn dedicated more than 17 years of service.

The military and all the sacrifices that those service members make holds a special place in her heart.

“My husband was in for 25 years. I had three brothers in the Army, I had two sons in the Army, and I had 10 grandchildren in the Navy.

Penn told me her heart goes out to all the people still fighting — not only in the military.

“Our world has been turned upside down, we need to get it together — learn how to love. This country was made of love, and we need to get back to it,” she said.

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