American Legion Post 166 remembers Pearl Harbor as it marks its 75th anniversary

December 7, 2016 marks 75 years since Japan made their surprise attack on Pearl Harbor.

A loss amounting to 2,403 Americans and now honored by thousands of people across the country. That includes the American Legion Post 166 in Ocean City.

Sarge Garlitz served in the Air Force and Army and is now the Public Relations Officer of Post 166.

Garlitz said they did a special ceremony for the 75th anniversary as they had the color guard, they lowered the flag at 7:04, and remembered those who lost their lives that day.

He tells us he knew many WWII vets and those who served in Pearl Harbor.

Garlitz tells 47 ABC that 75 years is a long time, but every year they should be remembered because those who gave and the families. He said he personally knew some widows back home whose husbands were killed over there when he was a young kid.

Commander of the legion, Tom Wengert, a retired member of the Air Force, says he was inspired to join because of his father, who served in World War II. Adding, it was troubling for his father to remember the times he endured.

Wengert says his father told him a little bit about what he saw over there as it dealt with much death and destruction. He said that his father witnessed many of his friends die.

At the legion, we also spoke to Frank Hoover, who was in WWII serving as seaman in the Navy.

Hoover tells us that he was 16 when Pearl Harbor occurred and that day specifically, inspired him to serve for this country at the age of 18.

All three told 47 ABC that serving after Pearl Harbor was a huge honor in order to defend their country and pay respect for those who passed away before them.