CAMDEN, NJ (KYW Newsradio) — Wednesday marked the 81st anniversary of the day that will live in infamy. More than 2400 people were killed in the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. A ceremony on the Battleship New Jersey, docked in Camden, honored those lives lost.
After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, there was a mad dash by the US Navy to complete the construction of the Battleship New Jersey and many others. Jack Willard, the ship’s director of marketing, says this was a display of American might, built right across the river in Philly.
“All the ships went right to, most of them went to the South Pacific,” he said. “They were all very involved in WWII to help defend the United States.”
The ship was designed and built in 1938 and decommissioned in 1991. It went on to fight in Korea, Vietnam, and Gulf wars. To this day, it remains the most decorated battleship in the Navy’s history.
The New Jersey is also the only battleship to be recommissioned by a sitting president – Ronald Reagan in 1982.
Willard says he encourages people to take a tour and experience the history and beauty of all the ship has to offer. He says being on the ship reminds him of what's important.
“It really makes me think about the men and women of our armed forces who gave the ultimate sacrifice, being their lives, in defense of our country,” he said.
Camden Mayor Vic Carstarphen also encourages people near and far to come and see for themselves the piece of American history docked in the Delaware. He says he learns something new about the ship every time he comes.
“This is an iconic staple to our city,” he said.
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