Veterans Services Office Jim Clark provides thoughts on the attack.
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — One hundred and 10 minutes.
That was how long the attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, lasted.
"In the time it would take to watch an average full-length movie at our local movie theater, over 350 Japanese aircraft traveling nearly 400 miles thundered over Hawaii dropping bombs in an unprovoked act of war against the United States. That attack claimed the lives of nearly 2,400 Americans, including two of Pittsfield's own. It nearly destroyed our Pacific fleet but it would not shake our resolve," said Veterans Services Office Jim Clark on Thursday morning as local veterans groups gathered at the War Memorial on South Street to recognize the anniversary of the attack.
During those 110 minutes, Roman Sadlowski and Edward Burns, both of Pittsfield, were killed while stationed at the naval base. As the battleships were sinking or severely damaged, across the nation people were preparing to enlist in the armed forces to defend the nation.
"We pay tribute to the souls lost 76 years ago. We salute those who responded with strength and courage in service of our nation," Clark said.
Now, three-quarters of a century years later, what is known as the Greatest Generation is not forgotten. Every year, no matter cold, snow, sleet, or sun, the Veterans Coalition gathers at the memorial to remember.
"Today with solemn gratitude we recall the sacrifices of all who served during World War II, especially those who gave their last full measure of devotion and the families they left behind," Clark said.
This year had warmer weather than most Pearl Harbor Remembrance days. The Rev. Michael Wood of St. Charles' Church gave the invocation and benediction. Tony Pastore sang the national anthem and Tom Landry read the famous address President Franklin Roosevelt delivered to Congress the day after the attacks.
George Moran read aloud the names of the 44 people from central Berkshire County who served at Pearl Harbor. The event also included taps and a volley.
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DALTON, Mass. — Voters approved all but one of the 22 articles on the warrant at the annual town meeting on Monday night at Wahconah Regional High School.
More than one hundred registered voters attended the meeting, which lasted more than three hours, to vote on the budget, school district regional agreement, a proposed bylaw change, and various spending items for town equipment, repairs, projects, and initiatives.
The town budget of $22,951,092 is an increase of $1,449,376, or approximately 6.74 percent, over this year. Of that, the Central Berkshire Regional School District assessment of $10,537,044 and the town operating budget of $10,147,991 are included.
Article 1, which proposed amending the town bylaw to make concrete sidewalks the standard, was tabled after a 20-minute discussion that included questions and concerns about its language. More on sidewalks here.
This has recently been a hot topic, making its way through town government boards and committees will continue with a Planning Board public hearing.
Planning Board member Zack McCain motioned to table the article until a public hearing, where the details could be discussed further. He said this is common practice for bylaw amendments.
During the discussion, voters also urged the need for sidewalks on Orchard Road. The Department of Public Works budget only has $12,000 to cover the cost of maintaining town sidewalks.
Voters approved all but one of the 22 articles on the warrant at the annual town meeting on Monday night at Wahconah Regional High School. click for more
The seasonal road closed because of flooding caused by what was initially thought to be from a beaver dam that was located on the Pittsfield stretch.
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The Traffic Commission OK'd additional bus stops and multiple items in the former General Electric neighborhood at its first meeting of the year. click for more
Voters at the annual town meeting on Monday, May 6, will decide 22 articles, including articles on sidewalks and the authorization of a number of spending articles, including an approximate $22 million budget. click for more
Ken Sagendorph, a former firefighter and emergency technician, says his goal is to improve communication between the Fire District, residents, town, and department if elected to the Board of Water Commissioners. click for more