SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA CO. (WOLF) — Honoring the 84th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, the 9/11 Memorial Committee hosted a ceremony paying tribute to the heroes who served—and those who lost their lives on that historic day.

With those serving from across the United States, over 100 Lackawanna County natives were honored and remembered at the ceremony as well.

As the community gathered to honor the bravery and sacrifice shown on December 7, 1941, Chairman of the 9/11 Memorial Committee Charlie Spano reminded attendees of the unwavering courage displayed that day.

“These people, enjoying a Sunday breakfast, immediately took to their posts and began defending America. We need to keep that in mind. Every single day that America is worth standing up for is worth defending, because we are the bastion of freedom in the world,” said Spano.

During the ceremony, a wreath was placed upon a plaque honoring several Lackawanna County natives, with Spano reflecting on the stories behind their service.

“John Greco was a veteran. He was at the Merli Center. He was in attendance at our unveiling of this on the 75th anniversary,” said Spano.

“Walter Pasiak was one of the soldiers who fired the first shots in defense of the United States. He was on guard duty. The planes flew over. He realized what was going on when he saw an explosion, that he began to shoot at those planes. First person to fire, the first shots to defend America,” said Spano.

“Anna Busby was a nurse who organized the nurses in the hospital area to assist with the wounded as they came in,” said Spano.

“Walter Paciga, the only person on this plaque to have actually died on December 7, 1941. He was a sailor on board one of the ships when the ship was hit,” said Spano.

For Spano, the day also carried a deeper message about the value of freedom and the spirit of service in the United States.

“A lot of people wonder about the current status of this country, of its standard as a beacon of freedom. I have no problems being concerned about that. We will be, we are a beacon of freedom in the world, and we will always be. As long as this country stands,” said Spano.