CAMDEN, N.J. (KYW Newsradio) — The Battleship New Jersey hosted its annual wreath-laying ceremony Thursday in remembrance of the men and women who died in the attack on Pearl Harbor 82 years ago.
On the anniversary of the attack that propelled the United States into World War II, a firing squad aboard the ship pulled the trigger after a commemorative wreath was tossed from the ship into the Delaware River. Battleship New Jersey CEO Marshall Spevak says the ship was launched from the Navy Yard one year to the day after Pearl Harbor and she went on to become the most decorated warship in American history.
“This ship was built by people who live in the Philadelphia region,” she said. “We preserve it to honor the legacy of those who built it and obviously those who served on it.”
In addition to World War II, the ship survived numerous significant battles such as the Korean and Vietnam wars, and the conflict in the Middle East. Following decades on the seas, the warship was decommissioned for the final time in February 1991.
During the ceremony, officials honored veteran John Brouse, who says he struggled to return to civilian life after the war in the Middle East, and he hopes Americans can be united once again.
“The Japanese said they woke a sleeping giant when they attacked Pearl Harbor,” he said. “It’s amazing how we overcame that as a nation.”
More than 2,300 servicemen were killed in the attack.