Jacksonville American Legion honors World War II veterans in Pearl Harbor ceremony

JACKSONVILLE, N.C. (WITN) - Veterans paid close attention to the Pearl Harbor remembrance day speaker Tuesday in Jacksonville. Through the sharing of his story, personal memories rolled through the minds of many in attendance.

American Legion Burton-Cowell Post 265 First Vice Commander Dallas Gaynor woke up to the timeless emotions of the Pearl Harbor attack. “I was watching Tora Tora, the anniversary film of the bombing of Pearl Harbor, brought tears to my eyes,” he said.

Gaynor came to the ceremony to pay tribute to the ones who paved the way. “World War II Vets are leaving us left and right.”

Vietnam Veteran Prentis Camppell said his father was one of them. “My dad would ask me questions that he wouldn’t ask anyone, no one else would be around when he asked me certain things.”

Through events like these, they hope to make more people aware of our history.

“For us to understand that we could be speaking a different language today if it wasn’t for the World War II Veterans. They’re the ones that paved the way,” said Camppell.

About 60 people came to the event Tuesday morning at the American Legion in Jacksonville, including Veterans, their families and public figures.

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