55th annual Pearl Harbor Day Luncheon

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Ted Brattin Civic Youth Awards recipients pose for a photo during the 55th annual Pearl Harbor Day Luncheon Monday, Dec. 9, at Lincoln Inn Banquets in Batavia. From left are Lincoln Majersky, West Aurora High School; Samantha Rangel, Rosary H.S.; Eva Marie Diahn, Mooseheart Child City and School; Ryan Caballes, Marmion Academy; Aarna Patel, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy; and Claire Perez, Aurora Central Catholic H.S. Not shown are Yareliz Rivera, East Aurora H.S. and Raghav Nasana, Neuqua Valley H.S.. Recipients received an $800 award from Rotary Club of Aurora United, award sponsor. Al Benson/The Voice
Navy Sea Cadet Corps students present the colors to open the 55th annual Pearl Harbor Day Luncheon Monday, Dec. 9, at Lincoln Inn Banquets in Batavia. Rotary Club of Aurora United and Aurora Council Navy League co-sponsored the event. Al Benson/The Voice

Threats from China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea stress the need for preparedness Navy Captain Christopher Labissiere said Monday, Dec. 9.

The commanding officer of the Navy Reserve Center Great Lakes, was the keynote speaker at the 55th annual Pearl Harbor Day Luncheon at Lincoln Inn Banquets in Batavia. After opening with “Go Bears,” he said “Foreign threats compel the nation to maintain readiness to react for peace and security on a day’s notice.

“(In Navy recruits) I see readiness in action daily,” Labissiere said. “This is a strict necessity, our solemn duty, so we can say never again. This is a moral imperative.

Duane Stevenson of St. Charles, a 101-year-old World War II Army veteran, reflects at the 55th annual Pearl Harbor Day Luncheon Monday, Dec. 9, at Lincoln Inn Banquets in Batavia. Rotary Club of Aurora United and Aurora Council Navy League co-sponsored the event. Al Benson/The Voice

“Freedom only comes with responsibility to protect ourselves. Always remember, honor past sacrifices and remain steady.”

During an open mic period for vets, Duane Stevenson of St. Charles, a 101-year-old World War II Army veteran, took to the stage to reflect for several minutes on Pearl Harbor.

Richard Miller of Aurora, a World War II Navy veteran, leads singing of “God Bless America” to close the 55th annual Pearl Harbor Day Luncheon Monday, Dec. 9.
Al Benson/The Voice

Army Col. Richard Todas (Ret.), Navy League Aurora Council president, opened the event co-sponsored with Rotary Club United of Aurora. After four Navy Sea Cadet Corps members, Aurora division, presented the colors, West Aurora High Air Force NJROTC cadets Adi Taiwo and Claire Banks sang the national anthem. Carolyn Hansen provided accompaniment. Reverend Mark Woolfington, Aurora University chaplain, gave the invocation.

After lunch, Bruce Darata, president, Rotary Club of Aurora United announced 38th annual Ted Brattin Civic Youth award winners. Gretchen Timm, Rotary secretary, assisted.

Following Labissiere’s remarks, WWII and Korean War veterans were recognized. Richard Miller of Aurora, a World War II Navy veteran, led singing of “God Bless America” to close the event.

—Al Benson

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