Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - It was the day in American history that will forever live in infamy.
It was the early morning hours of Dec. 7, 1941 in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii when the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service unleased at attack on the United States Pacific Fleet stationed in the harbor. In just about two hours, 20 American naval vessels - eight of which were battleships - were either badly damaged or completely destroyed. In addition, more than 2,400 Americans lost their lives.
81 years later, veterans and other members of the Western New York community gathered at the Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park for a Remembrance Day ceremony to not only remember the lives of those lost during the attack on Pearl Harbor, but also what transpired in the years following with America's involvement in World War II.
A majority of Wednesday's ceremony at the Buffalo Naval Park was conducted by local actor Albert McFadyen, who played the role of former U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt. During the ceremony, McFadyen had recited a couple of Roosevelt's memorable speeches before and after the attack on Pearl Harbor, and recounted the history of the 32nd President's actions throughout the war.
Also in attendance for Wednesday's Remembrance Day ceremony was 96-year-old World War II veteran Dr. John Long, who fought in the First Infantry Division that made its way through Germany and other parts of Europe.
You can listen to the entirety of the Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day ceremony available in the player below: