HAGERSTOWN, MD- It's been 71 years since the Japanese bombed Pearl harbor and changed history forever.
"On December 7, 1941 when the attack on Pearl Harbor happened it plunged America into World War II," says Tom Riford, with the Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau.
More than 2,000 Americans died that day and hundreds of ships and aircrafts sank. But many don't know the role Hagerstown played in the aftermath of the attack.
"Hagerstown made the best airplanes in the world," says Riford. "They helped win the war, so Pearl Harbor has many connections to Hagerstown and Washington County.
We spoke to a Pearl Harbor survivor last year and he vividly recalls that day.
"Pearl harbor was lit up like a Christmas tree and the rest of the island was all black," says Tom Gilliam, a Pearl Harbor survivor.
And current veterans are honoring those who lost their lives.
"I am a veteran and I remember getting dressed this morning and I especially chose this lapel pin that say remember Pearl Harbor," says Riford.
The battleship USS Arizona lost more than 1,100 crewmen, and those who visit the infamous naval base say it's an experience they'll never forget.
"You realize that below your feet are more than 1,500 that were entombed and died that day and will forever be buried underneath that monument," says Riford. "It is a very sobering reminder of the terrible things that are here in this world."
The attack lasted about 90 minutes and killed more than 2,300 Americans.
"On December 7, 1941 when the attack on Pearl Harbor happened it plunged America into World War II," says Tom Riford, with the Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau.
More than 2,000 Americans died that day and hundreds of ships and aircrafts sank. But many don't know the role Hagerstown played in the aftermath of the attack.
"Hagerstown made the best airplanes in the world," says Riford. "They helped win the war, so Pearl Harbor has many connections to Hagerstown and Washington County.
We spoke to a Pearl Harbor survivor last year and he vividly recalls that day.
"Pearl harbor was lit up like a Christmas tree and the rest of the island was all black," says Tom Gilliam, a Pearl Harbor survivor.
And current veterans are honoring those who lost their lives.
"I am a veteran and I remember getting dressed this morning and I especially chose this lapel pin that say remember Pearl Harbor," says Riford.
The battleship USS Arizona lost more than 1,100 crewmen, and those who visit the infamous naval base say it's an experience they'll never forget.
"You realize that below your feet are more than 1,500 that were entombed and died that day and will forever be buried underneath that monument," says Riford. "It is a very sobering reminder of the terrible things that are here in this world."
The attack lasted about 90 minutes and killed more than 2,300 Americans.
