On Saturday, the Captain Charles Gatliff Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution and the William Whitley Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution came together for their annual Pearl Harbor Day commemoration event on the courthouse lawn in downtown Williamsburg. This year’s event also included a special recognition of Judge Eugene Siler, Jr. for his patriotism, military service, and his position as a Senior United States Circuit Court Judge in the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals.
“The reason we’re here is not to grieve for a tragic event, but to appreciate the patriotism of the soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines who died on Dec. 7, [1941],” said SAR member Charles Hayes. “Some people might ask why we are remembering such a tragic day when we were caught unprepared. It is because we cannot and should not forget the sacrifices of those patriots.”
Hayes then recognized Siler with a special plaque. Siler spoke briefly, saying, “I didn’t expect to get any kind of an honor here, but I am pleased to get this. I’ve been serving the federal government for many years, and have held court all over the country. Everywhere from Boston to California. I have tried to be fair to everybody on both sides.”
Siler served in the Navy and stayed in the reserves for 26 years, retiring as a Commander. He recalled being with his father, Eugene Siler, Sr., on the day that Pearl Harbor was attacked. “We were driving in the car and I was five years old,” he said, remembering the day when the news first broke of the Japanese attack.
Dianne Chambers and Carolyn Falin came forward to present the wreath in front of the veteran’s monument on behalf of the DAR. Chambers thanked everyone in attendance, and asked that we all continue to keep the families of those who lost loved ones in our prayers.
SAR members then closed out the ceremony by firing shots from their muskets in front of the courthouse.
Also in attendance Saturday were the St. Aloysius Youth from Canaan, CT, who presented special Christmas ornaments to all veterans as part of their Project 1000 initiative that seeks to have a positive impact on the Eastern Kentucky region during the holiday season.
Members of the Whitley County High School JROTC color guard presented the flags and also performed taps.
