Pearl Harbor Remembrance To Include Bangor Bridge Named For Resident Who Died In The Attack

Veterans are invited to take part in a remembrance walk and ceremony in Bangor today that will include a downtown bridge named for a local victim of the attack.

It was 75 years ago today when more than 350 Japanese warplanes swooped onto the unsuspecting Naval Base at Pearl Harbor and launched a massive attack that devastated the Pacific fleet. Radar operators had picked up on a large group of planes headed toward Hawaii but, since a large fleet of B-17's was expected to be headed that way, no alarm was sounded.

When it was all done, 5 of 8 battleships, 3 destroyers, and 7 other ships were sunk or severely damaged, and more than 200 aircraft were destroyed. 2,400 Americans died in the attack, while 1,200 others were wounded. Japan lost 30 planes, 5 midget submarines, and fewer than 100 men. The attack on Pearl Harbor propelled the United States into World War II.

Maine Veterans are invited to join a remembrance parade/walk this morning in Downtown Bangor. Those interested in taking part will gather at the Bangor Waterfront at 11:30 for a walk to the foot bridge over the Kenduskeag Stream named for the only Bangor resident to die in the attack, Willard C. Orr, who was a 1939 graduate of Bangor High School.

Governor Paul LePage is expected to speak at the event today, followed by Chief Master Sergeant Dan Moore of the 101st Air Refueling Wing. A remembrance wreath will be placed on the bridge as part of the ceremony, and three World War II veterans will be recognized and given plaques: U.S. Marine Paul Wilbur; Paul Colburn who is the founder of the Pearl Harbor ceremony; and Pearl Harbor Survivor Robert Cole, who is currently in Hawaii for the National Remembrance Ceremony.