LI American Airpower Museum Hosts Pearl Harbor Anniversary Event

FARMINGDALE, NY — The American Airpower Museum of Farmingdale on Monday hosted the "Dropping of the Roses" Pearl Harbor Anniversary Ceremony, which was conducted by the Long Island Air Force Association (LIAFA), according to a release. The museum has hosted the event each year since opening in 2000.

Dec. 7, 2020, marks the 79th Anniversary of the Japanese attack on the U.S. Navy Fleet based at Pearl Harbor. Welcoming remarks were made by retired colonel Bill Stratemeier, treasurer of LIAFA. Nassau County Executive Laura Curran; Tom Ronayne, director of Suffolk County Veterans Services; and several World War II veterans were on hand.

A Navy chaplain conducted a blessing of the roses, the song "Taps" was played, and roses were presented to a pilot who dropped them over the Statue of Liberty while flying a vintage military aircraft.

At least 12 Long Islanders were among the 2,403 Americans killed in the attack on Pearl Harbor, Newsday reported.

The museum usually has an audience of 350 or more people for the Pearl Harbor remembrance event, though it was restricted to allow no more than 50 guests due to the coronavirus pandemic. The event was not open to the public. The museum looks forward to a normal "Dropping of the Roses" ceremony in 2021.