Uhrichsville, Ohio (WJER) - Twin Cities residents braved the cold Friday morning to honor James Haverfield, a local who paid the ultimate sacrifice aboard the USS Arizona.

Haverfield was serving in Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941, when the ship was attacked by the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service.

Uhrichsville council member Eric Harmon helped lead the ceremony and said it was humbling to be a part of the longstanding tradition.

“He committed the ultimate sacrifice, served his country honorably, and we just want to commemorate his memory and his service to the nation,” he said.

The ceremony included a wreath laying, an Honor Guard demonstration, and a moment of silence at the time the attack started. Guest speakers talked about Haverfield’s legacy, the Navy destroyer that was named in his honor, and the importance of remembering those who served.

James Haverfield Sailors Association President John Grinvalds served on the USS Haverfield. He said remembering the sacrifices made on that fateful day is a duty.

“Basically, when you join the service, you’re giving your country a blank check to pay a bill with up to the full measure of your life,” he said. 

Haverfield is buried in Uhrichsville at Union Cemetery. His memorial stands just off Park Drive alongside a list of local veterans who shared his fate. 

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