Pearl Harbor survivors and those who served are honored in Owego

Just as skies above Pearl Harbor were witnessed as clear and bright blue 74 years ago on Dec. 7, 1941, the clear blue sky in Owego, N.Y. on Monday, Dec. 7 welcomed veterans and guests to the Pearl Harbor Remembrance Ceremony at the Tioga County Veterans Memorial Park.

V.F.W. Memorial Chairman and Korean War veteran, Jim Raftis, announced to veterans and guests that Dec. 7, 1941, best known in history as the date “which will live in infamy” and which led the United States into World War II following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, is forever linked to Tioga County.

Raftis shared, “It’s important to keep the memory of December seventh alive,” adding, “And to pay tribute to the greatest generation who served during World War II and those who made the supreme sacrifice.”

Five Tioga County servicemen were recognized at the remembrance ceremony, one of who is still living.  The “missing man table” was set up in front of the monuments as recognition of MIA’s and POW’s.

Raftis shared that five Tioga County servicemen were stationed in Pearl Harbor, one of whom made the supreme sacrifice and is entombed aboard the U.S.S. Arizona.  Owego Seaman First Class Delmar Dale Sibley was Tioga County’s first fallen hero of World War II and his name is engraved on one of two World War II monuments in the Veterans Memorial Park.  In addition, Sibley’s portrait hangs in the V.F.W.’s dining hall, which in 2007, was dedicated in his memory.

From Owego, U.S. Army veterans Donald Stocks and Bill Kennedy, and U.S. Marine veteran, Lester Dunham, as well as U.S. Army veteran Richard Hopkins of Berkshire, were remembered for their service at Pearl Harbor.

Owego resident, Bill Kennedy, the last remaining Pearl Harbor survivor from Tioga County, turned 94 in November.

Special guest speaker, Owego resident Cheri Porcari and daughter of Lester “Buster” Dunham, spoke of the pride her father carried with him throughout his life.  “He was a very proud Marine,” she said.

Porcari explained that her father was on guard duty patrolling the docks at Pearl Harbor and witnessed the sinking of the Arizona and other casualties, a day he had described as “gruesome and all hell.” Porcari said her father spent most of the day after the attack pulling people out of the water, some were alive, but most had perished. Two thousand four hundred and three Americans lost their lives that day.

Dunham kept a diary and newspaper clippings from his experiences, including service at Midway and Guadalcanal, which Porcari brought with her to the ceremony.

Porcari explained that it wasn’t until her son, Matthew Porcari, then still in school, had asked his grandfather to be interviewed for a project about Pearl Harbor, that Dunham opened up more about his experiences.  Matthew Porcari, from the Owego Fire Department, died in the line of duty on Jan. 22, 2013.

During the ceremony, the invocation and benediction was delivered by the Pastor of Owego’s United Methodist Church, Rev. James Stevens and the V.F.W. Post 1371 Honor Guard posted the colors.

Raftis closed the ceremony by announcing the annual Wreaths Across America ceremony which will be held at the Veterans Memorial Park on Saturday, Dec. 12 starting at noon.  For additional information about placing a wreath at a Tioga County cemetery, contact Jim Raftis by email, jraftis2@stny.rr.com, or call (607) 687-4229.