Westfield pauses to remember Pearl Harbor Day 84 years after attack

WESTFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) - Hundreds came together Sunday in Westfield in remembrance of the thousands who died during the attack on Pearl Harbor 84 years ago.

The ceremony was held at a local park named in the honor of a Navy officer who died that day. Westfield Mayor Michael McCabe explained why it’s important to remember historical events like Pearl Harbor. “You have to remember, I told the story that my wife’s name is spelt with a ‘ph’ because she’s born on Pearl Harbor Day. It was important to her father, it should be important to our kids, our grandkids who come forth. It’s a reminder of where we were,” he said.

The local American Legion’s past commander told us how much the Westfield community shows its support every year. “It’s amazing, that’s why I say it doesn’t matter...Today was a very warm day. We’ve had snow storms, we’ve had wind, and people still come out. They’ll bring blankets...they always come out and support this event, no matter what the weather,” said Cindy Lacoste with American Legion Post 124.

Over 2,4 people were killed during the attack 84 years ago, with another 1,178 people hurt.