by: Anna Maria Trusky
It is difficult to fathom that seven decades have passed since the “date that will live in infamy”—
the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor that resulted in the deaths of nearly 2,500 and injuries of
more than 1,200. The solemn occasion of the 70th anniversary of the surprise military strike that
engaged the United States in World War II was commemorated in a ceremony at the Submarine
Force Library and Museum in Groton. The ceremony was hosted by the Connecticut Sons and
Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors, and three brave survivors from Connecticut were honored as
part of the event.
Rear Admiral Richard P. Breckenridge, Commander Submarine Group Two, at the
SUBASE, was the featured speaker at the December 7th ceremony. He participated in a wreathlaying
along with the nonagenarian survivors—Floyd Welch of East Lyme, Isadore Tadiello of
East Canaan, and Harold Slater of Enfi eld. There was a tolling of the bells honoring the U. S. Navy
ships and service members who were attacked. Colors were presented by the Naval Submarine
School Silver Dolphin Color Guard, and music was provided by Groton’s West Side Middle
School Band, which played the Navy Hymn.
Introductory remarks were made by emcee Lieutenant Commander Robert Sawyer, Historic
Ship Nautilus and Submarine Force Library and Museum Offi cer-in-Charge. The attack, he said,
“mobilized the United States, a nation that had been struggling with isolationism. By day’s end, the
entire country was galvanized.” Lt. Cmdr. Sawyer notes that although Groton was thousands of miles
from Hawaii, the attack on Pearl Harbor had a signifi cant impact on Southeastern Connecticut.”
He pointed out that William Seely, whose eponymous elementary school is just down the road from
the SUBASE, was a Fitch High School graduate who was the first
young man from Groton killed in World War II; the nineteen-year-old
was serving on the ill-fated battleship U.S.S. Arizona.
“The attack on Pearl Harbor was a turning point in our history,” said Rear Adm. Breckenridge. “Japan had ordered unrestricted
warfare on unarmed citizens. Within five hours of the attack, an order
was issued for our Navy to engage in all-out, unrestricted warfare in
the Pacific. Today, we recognize our brave countrymen who fought
and sacrifi ced for the freedoms we Americans hold so dear. We will
always remember the events and sacrifi ces of that terrible day, and
honor those who gave their lives and those who survived and can say,
‘I was at Pearl Harbor.’”
