On December 7, 1941, the Japanese surprised attacked American ships in Hawaii, and this attack forced America to join World War II to fight back.

On Wednesday, area leaders conducted their Second Annual Pearl Harbor dinner to honor all veterans and supporting groups. Galveston and Ball High were well represented at this huge event by Major Knight, Tony Brown, and other members of the JROTC.

The singing, prizes, awards, and dinner entertained the crowd, and the event was highlighted by keynote speaker Mark Kelso. Kelso made the perfect speaker because of his extensive research into World War II and the battlegrounds that determined the world’s destiny.

The Sea Star base also provided an outstanding setting for the festivities. Veterans thank all involved for commemorating this day that President Franklin Roosevelt called “Yesterday, December 7, 1941 — a date which will live in infamy!”