A Pearl Harbor Day Remembrance Ceremony was held by the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum and the Marine Corps League on Wednesday, Dec. 7.

More than 2,300 U.S. troops died in the attack on Pearl Harbor. All were welcome to attend the event.

Throughout the ceremony, wreaths were laid, candles were lit, and God Bless America was sung. Navy sailor Matt Newell was in attendance.

There is no better way to honor those who died while fighting for the freedom of our country than to remember them.

Everyone talks about heroes, but the real heroes are the ones who have passed away and gone before us. Without them, we wouldn't be free, who knows where we'd be now?” says Newell.

As a retired Airman, Andrews empathizes with the importance of paying respect to those who died serving the United States, something he has instilled in his children.

“You have to remember those who gave their lives so that we can remain free,” Andrews said. “It’s something you think about daily.”

In Memorial Hall, the ceremony began at 7:00 p.m., and it lasted for approximately an hour.