ORANGE TOWNSHIP -- World War II veterans gathered to mark the 71st anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. It's something they like to do every year.
About 60 World War II veterans gathered on Thursday for lunch in Columbia County. They shared pictures and memories of their time at war, and reminisced about where they were when they found out Japan bombed Pearl Harbor 71 years ago.
The images are haunting from 71 years ago when America was attacked without warning at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. World War II veterans remember that day well.
"I was sad, but I don't think I really got it at the time," said Helen Rescorla.
About 60 veterans gathered at Creekside Family Restaurant near Bloomsburg to recognize National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. Dick Donald was 16 years old at the time and remembers hearing the news on the radio.
"Two years later I was there myself, and they hadn't stopped cleaning up yet. It was still a mess," said Donald.
The veterans looked at pictures from World War II, and reminisced about their time overseas.
"During the second world war it was a real effort that we had to win the war," said John Paul.
The Susquehanna Valley World War II veterans have met once a month for the past 10 years. They said they do so because they have a special bond.
"Unless you've been there and done that you just don't understand that. We relate to one another very easy," said Paul.
"I think it's wonderful. I don't think we had an appreciation for it back then, but we do now," said Rescorla.
National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day is December 7. The Susquehanna Valley World War II veterans group will meet again next month in Columbia County.