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Ewing Patriotic Committee Hosts Educational Pearl Harbor Day Program at Ewing High School
On Friday, December 6, 2024, the Ewing Patriotic Committee hosted a powerful educational program at the Ewing High School auditorium to commemorate Pearl Harbor Day. The event aimed to give students a deeper understanding of the history, significance, and global impact of the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, a turning point in U.S. history.
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The program included a screening of a segment from the acclaimed 2001 documentary, Legacy of Attack, narrated by Tom Brokaw. This compelling film explores the events of December 7, 1941, featuring eyewitness accounts from both American and Japanese survivors. Students were captivated by the footage of the sunken USS Arizona battleship and the poignant stories of those who lived through the tragedy.
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Col. Rick Ryczkowski led the event, setting the tone for a meaningful discussion on patriotism and remembrance. The keynote address was delivered by Joseph Eppolito, Command Master Chief, USN (Ret.), and Director of Emergency Management at NWS Earle. A proud graduate of Ewing High School, Eppolito shared his personal journey, reflecting on how enlisting in the Navy as a junior in high school allowed him upon graduation to see the world and understand the importance of service. He spoke passionately about his first deployment to Japan and the invaluable lessons military life taught him about the privilege of U.S. citizenship.
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Distinguished attendees included Brig. Gen. Robert S. Dutko Sr. and Ewing Business Administrator Aaron T. Watson, another Ewing High School alumnus. Watson emphasized the importance of remembering those who served before us, including his father, John S. Watson, who answered the call to serve.
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The program included a Q&A session, giving students the opportunity to engage with the speakers. Many stayed afterward to speak one-on-one with the veterans, discussing career paths and the personal meaning of service. The day concluded with a moving rendition of Taps and a wreath-laying ceremony to honor those who lost their lives on December 7, 1941. Ewing Township is proud to support this annual event, which ensures the legacy of Pearl Harbor and the valor of its heroes remain alive for future generations. Special thanks to the Ewing Patriotic Committee for organizing such a meaningful and educational experience.
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