December 7, 2009

Remembering Pearl Harbor
Observance at the Wisconsin Veterans Home at King

(back row left to right) LCDR Muntean, VFW State Commander Wilfred Johnson, Acting Commandant
Jackie Moore, State Representative Kevin Petersen and WDVA Board Member Dan Naylor. In the front row
(left to right) Sister Cathy Wottreng, and Wisconsin Veterans Home at King Agency Liaison Laura Mays.

(KING) – To mark the 68th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 and America’s entry into World War II, the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) hosted a ceremony to commemorate the observance of Pearl Harbor Day. Governor Jim Doyle proclaimed December 7, 2009 as a day for the recognition of Pearl Harbor Day in Wisconsin, and the proclamation was read at the ceremony by Jackie Moore, Acting Commandant.

The featured speaker for the early morning program was Lieutenant Commander Karen Firestone Muntean of the United States Navy. LCDR Muntean assumed command of Navy Operational Support Center in Green Bay in September 2009 after serving in Millington, Tennessee as a Global War on Terrorism IA Placement Officer. The early morning program also included musical selections from the Waupaca High School Band under the direction of Mark Kryshak, the presentation of colors and the three volley salute by the Wisconsin Veterans Home King Honor Guard and the WDVA Military Funeral Honors Team. Veterans of Foreign Wars State Commander Wilfred Johnson read the names of the 50 Wisconsin servicemen who lost their lives at Pearl Harbor, and Dan Naylor, Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs Board Member, tolled the bell in commemoration. Waupaca High School Band students Katie Sroka and Alex Weise followed with the sounding of Taps. Other special guests included Wisconsin State Representative Kevin Petersen.

A total of 248 members at the Wisconsin Veterans Home at King are veterans of WWII, and many of them attended the ceremony. “I was there (Pearl Harbor) asleep in my bed when I heard the noise. I thought it was the Navy practicing their drills. Then I looked out and saw ships on fire,” said Alvin Krueger, a WWII member of the Home at King.

“Much of what our country and our lives are like today have been shaped by events that occurred on December 7, 1941 at Pearl Harbor,” said WDVA Secretary Ken Black. “I encourage all citizens to remember the strength and courage of all of our military men and women who served then and who are currently serving in the United States Armed Forces,” added Secretary Black.

To find out about WDVA events, go to www.WisVets.com/Events or call toll-free 1-800-WIS-VETS (947-8387).