The surprise attack on the naval base 82 years ago claimed the lives of more than 2,000 members of the United States military and more than 1,000 civilians.

The bombing by Japan was also a blow to the country’s naval fleet, which was later rejuvenated and used later in World War II.

Marine Bill Romstadt opened the ceremony with a prayer and later shared his memories as a boy of the war and the impact it had on him and his community. He said it is critical to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice and also those who survived the attack and lived to share the details of Dec. 7, 1941, and tell of the heroism the soldiers displayed while trying to repeal the surprise attack.

“Their sacrifices were not in vain because they defended America’s freedom and demonstrated America’s goodness,” he said.

News Photo by Steve Schulwitz Marine Bill Romstadt tosses a wreath into the Thunder Bay River in Alpena during a ceremony honoring the people who died during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941.

Romstadt said he remembers when the reality of World War II and its impact hit him. He said that one day, he came home from school and his parents sat him down and told him the fate of a neighbor who wasn’t coming home from the war. He said that news opened his eyes to the costs of war and the love and appreciation of the people who gave their blood and lives.

“I love and respect everyone who has worn the uniform, no matter which branch of the military they served,” Romstadt said.

During the event, which was held behind the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Centre, Romstadt had the honor of throwing a wreath off of the bridge connecting Rotary Island Park and Alpena’s northside into the river, where it floated on the surface of the water. A rifle salute and “Taps” were played afterward.

The wreath was a memorial tribute to those who lost their lives at Pearl Harbor and the surrounding bases that were attacked, too.

After the throwing of the wreath, the names of the 30 men from Michigan who were killed during the attack were read and Marine Corps League member Frank Rosinski rang a bell once in honor of their sacrifice.

News Photo by Steve Schulwitz Marine Corp. League member Frank Rosinski rings a bell after the name of a Michigan man who was killed during the attack on Pearl Harbor. In total, 30 men from Michigan died during the bombing at the United States naval base.

The attack from the air by Japan came in two waves and led to the sinking of the four battleships, several of which were later raised and recommissioned, with the USS Arizona still lying where it sank to this day. Four other battleships were heavily damaged.

The gunfire and torpedoes also destroyed or damaged three destroyer ships and three cruisers and other vessels.

There were also 188 U.S. aircrafts that were destroyed, as well as some nearby airstrips.

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

When President Franklin D. Roosevelt addressed the nation on the day of the attack, he famously called the event and the impact it had on the nation, a day that will live in infamy.

On Dec. 8, 1941, the United States declared war on Japan and moved into the Pacific and European theaters in World War II.