By Cyrus Guccione
Mail

As in years past, Fountain Hills’ Veterans Service Organizations will unite to commemorate the anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, which occurred 83 years ago.

Hosted by the Marine Corps League Phil Yin Detachment #1439, the public ceremony will take place at 10 a.m., Sunday, Dec. 7, at American Legion Post 58, where veterans, families, town residents and community leaders are invited to gather in remembrance.

Organized by the Marine Corps League Detachment 1439, the program will include the playing of taps, the national anthem and a moment of silence honoring the 2,403 service members and civilians killed during the surprise attack.

Representatives from each of Fountain Hills’ veteran organizations are scheduled to speak, offering messages of reflection, gratitude and remembrance.

83rd anniversary

Pearl Harbor was attacked by Japanese forces on December 7, 1941, targeting the U.S. Navy base in Oahu, Hawaii.

The strike damaged or destroyed numerous ships and aircraft and prompted the United States’ entry into World War II the following day. For U.S. veterans and civilians alike, the date remains a defining moment in American history and military service.

In Fountain Hills, the annual ceremony serves as both a memorial and a reminder of the continued importance of community, service and sacrifice, says Detachment Commandant and Toys for Tots Chairman Dave Nelson.

“This event matters to all of us," Nelson said. "Everyone in the community is invited."

Local VSOs, including the Marine Corps League, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7507 and American Legion Post 58, collaborate each December to ensure the lives lost are not forgotten.

Following the ceremony, attendees are invited to stay for donuts and conversation at the Legion, offering residents an opportunity to meet local veterans and learn more about their organizations.

The Marine Corps League Detachment 1439 has remained active throughout the year, assisting with Toys for Tots collections, distributing Marine Corps Roses at local grocery stores and supporting veterans and families in need.

The American Legion Post 58 is located at 16837 E. Parkview Avenue.

For more information, contact American Legion Post 58 or a local Veterans Service Organization.

Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines. Cyrus Guccione can be reached at cguccione@iniusa.org.

Cyrus Guccione
Arts & Entertainment Editor | North Valley

cguccione@iniusa.org

Meet Cyrus
Cyrus Guccione joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., in 2023, as a reporter and then as an arts and entertainment editor in the Phoenix Northeast Valley. He previously served as a staff writer for The Fountain Hills Times and a contributing writer for Phoenix New Times.

Community: He has been a Big Brothers Big Sisters mentor since 2019.

 Education: Northern Arizona University with a BSBA in Economics; College of the Redwoods with an AA in Communications. 

Random Fact: Interned at the Waste Management Phoenix Open PGA golf tournament. 

Hobbies: Tennis, cycling, thrifting, cooking