Veterans gathered at the Orlando American Legion to honor their fallen comrades during the Pearl Harbor attacks. Survivors recalled the day that Japanese bombers attacked the U.S. Pacific fleet on Dec. 7, 1941. 

Honoring Dorie Miller

According to the WESH, commemorating Pearl Harbor is important to the survivors. Those who gathered paid their respects at the Doris "Dorie" Miller post of the American Legion in Orlando.

As explained by Chaplain George McZeal, Miller was one of many who showed incredible courage during the attack on Pearl Harbor. 

The Navy chaplain said that Miller used an anti-aircraft gun. He showed heroism during that day. 

Miller left the mess hall to shoot at enemy planes. He also provided medical attention to injured members of his crew. 

He was also the first African-American to receive the Navy Cross. 

Chaplain McZeal said that he honored the fallen hero for his bravery. 

Members of the past and present Navy personnel were also recognized during the event. Attendees placed a wreath on Miller's memorial site. 

Day That Would Live in Infamy

Veterans who attended the service recounted their memories of that day. Some of them were only teenagers at the time. 

One of those who attended the memorial service said that it was a day that would live in infamy. 

A 103-year-old Robert Hodge remembered hearing the president saying that the war brought the country out of The Great Depression. 

Who Was Dorie Miller?

According to KXXV, Miller served on the battleship, West Virginia. He was not allowed to be in combat because of his African-American heritage. 

Instead, he served as a Navy cook. Miller was doing laundry that fateful day when Japanese bombers attacked his ship. 

According to the report, the Navy cook ran to the deck and used an anti-aircraft gun. He reportedly received no training for that. 

Miller's great-nephew remembered his heroic relative. He thanked the people of Waco, Texas, for keeping Miller's memory alive. 

Thomas Bledsoe told the news outlet that he grew up hearing Miller's story. He added that hearing his legacy in history books and seeing his impact on today's society was very touching. 

Bledsoe added that Miller continues to inspire him even to this day. 

Miller's niece, Henrietta, said that she was emotional when she saw that strangers continued to honor his life.

She said that this annual event allowed the family to continue his legacy. 

Honoring Veterans

Another veteran who served the military during the attack on Pearl Harbor shared his story to his fellow World War II veterans. 

In a report with Spectrum News, 102-year-old Bob Clark spoke in front of attendees during an event held at the Veteran Memorial Center Museum in Merritt Island. 

Clark recalled that he was only 20 years old when the attacks happened. At that time, he was in training. 

When his unit received word that the Japanese attacked, they were all called to defend their base and country. 

The veteran said that he and his friends were not afraid to die. His wife feared for his life but knew the risks of being married to a military man. 

Clark was one of those who were chosen to train others in combat. 

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