Dear Sisters and Brothers:
Every year on December 7, we pause to remember, honor, and pay our respects to the 2,403 service members who lost their lives and the 1,178 people injured on this day in 1941 during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. The United States lost two battleships in the attack, the USS Arizona, and the USS Utah, in addition to the loss of 188 aircraft. Before that day had ended the U.S. had declared war on Japan, and within three days, following declarations of war by Germany and Italy on the U.S., our nation was fully engaged in World War II.
Eighty-one years after the horrible events of that day, the lives that were cut short or permanently altered have not been forgotten. The sacrifices made that day ultimately led to the United States victory in the Pacific and WWII and those who would be known as the “greatest generation” came home to build a stronger and better country and set the example for generations to follow.
All of us at IAMAW District 142 extend a sincere and humble thank you to those who gave all on this day in history. May we never forget your sacrifice and your commitment as we too work to build a stronger and better country through the work of our great union.
With best wishes we remain
Sincerely and fraternally,
John M. Coveny, Jr.
President-Directing General Chair
