(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he is directing U.S. and Connecticut flags lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Saturday, December 7, 2024, in recognition of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. The observance honors the more than 2,400 American lives lost in the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941.
In accordance with the directive, flags will be at half-staff on the Connecticut State Capitol building and all other state-operated buildings, grounds, and facilities statewide. Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, and any other private entities and government subdivisions are encouraged to lower their flags for this same duration of time. Since no flag should fly higher than the U.S. flag, all other flags, including state, municipal, corporate, or otherwise, should also be lowered.
Additionally, Governor Lamont announced that the state will illuminate the Pearl Harbor Memorial Bridge in New Haven – informally known by many residents as the Q Bridge – in red, white, and blue lights on the evenings of Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7, in recognition of the anniversary. The bridge carries Interstate 95 over the Quinnipiac River and is named in honor of those who served during the attack. It is maintained by the Connecticut Department of Transportation.
“We owe so much to the World War II veterans who defended the United States and saved millions from oppression, especially those whose lives were tragically lost in the line of duty, including at Pearl Harbor,” Governor Lamont said. “The attack on Pearl Harbor is one of the darkest moments in United States history, and we honor the thousands of American servicemembers and civilians who were killed on that terrible day. On this Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, I urge all Connecticut residents to reflect on the sacrifices made by the Greatest Generation during World War II and everything they have provided in the name of freedom and liberty for all.”
“As we recognize National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, we are reminded that it is up to us to ensure that future generations learn of the great sacrifices and service of those before them,” Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz said. “Without the brave men and women who fought for our country’s freedoms during World War II, the world we live in today would be a much different place. We salute the military heroes of World War II whose unwavering service and bravery on that infamous day continues to inspire generations. We will always be indebted to the men and women who valiantly fought in this battle, and in the war that changed the course of American history.”
There are 18 servicemembers from Connecticut who were killed in the attack. Their names are engraved on a stone memorial located at the base of the Pearl Harbor Memorial Bridge near the intersection of East Street and Forbes Avenue. They include:
- Eric Allen of Darien (Navy, lieutenant junior grade, USS Enterprise)
- Henry Ludwig Carlson of Norwich (Navy, storekeeper 3c, USS Arizona)
- Edward W. Gosselin of Hamden (Naval Reserve, ensign, USS Arizona)
- Vincent M. Horan of Stamford (Army Air Force, corporal, Wheeler Field)
- Henry John Lanquette of Wallingford (Navy, coxswain, USS Arizona)
- John Kallervo Luntta of Collinsville (Navy, seaman 1c, USS Nevada)
- W.T. O’Neill Jr. of Glenbrook (Naval Reserve, ensign, USS Arizona)
- Stanislaus Joseph Orzech of Meriden (Navy, seaman 2c, USS Arizona)
- Richard Patterson Jr. of Berlin (Navy, shipfitter 3c, USS Arizona)
- Stephen Pepe of Bridgeport (U.S. Navy Water Tender 1st Class, USS Oklahoma)
- George Povesko of Bridgeport (Navy, seaman 1c, USS Arizona)
- Mike George Quarto of Norwich (Navy, seaman 1c, USS Arizona)
- Thomas James Reeves of Thomaston (Navy, chief radioman, USS California)
- William Eugene Seeley of New London (Navy, seaman 1c, USS Arizona)
- George Smith of New Haven (Army Air Force, private, Hickam Field)
- Gordon H. Sterling Jr. of Hartford (Army Air Force, 2nd lieutenant, Wheeler Field)
- Felix S. Wegrzyn of Bridgeport (Army Air Force, private, Hickam Field)
- Ulmont Irving Whitehead Jr. of Hartford (Navy, ensign, USS Arizona)
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