News Photo by Steve Schulwitz Tom Ludwiczak and Danielle Hunter toss a memorial wreath into the Thunder Bay River as tribute to the more than 2,000 lives that were lost during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7 1941.

ALPENA — A day that will live in infamy.

That is how President Franklin D. Roosevelt described the day of Dec. 7, 1941 after a surprise air attack on Peal Harbor, which lead to the death of more than 2,000 American serviceman and the sinking of four Navy battleships.

On Saturday in Alpena a small group of veterans and other residents gathered outside the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center to pay tribute to the young men and women who lost their lives during the attack that dragged the United States into the World War II conflict.

Joe Demski opened the ceremony by asking people to continue to remember the sacrifice made by the soldiers and the the way the country came together to bring justice to those who orchestrated and carried out the attack.

“We remember the resolve and the courage of a nation that knew it must stand and fight for its cherished values,” Demski said. “Today we honor the memory of those who gave their lives that day, as well as those who stood in their defense.”

The attack from the air by Japan came in two waves and left to the sinking of the four battleships, there of which were later raised and recommissioned, with the USS Arizona still laying where it sank to this day. The gunfire and torpedos also destroyed or damaged three destroyer ships and three cruisers and other vessels.

Japan suffered light losses, as only 29 planes, five midget submarines and 65 servicemen were killed.

At the end of the ceremony, Tom Ludwiczak and Danielle Hunter tossed a memorial wreath into the Thunder Bay River as tribute to the fallen and it was followed by a rifle salute and the playing of Taps.

Steve Schulwitz can be reached at 989-358-5689 at sschulwitz@thealpenanews.com. Follow him on Twitter @ss_alpenanews.com.