Local veterans gather in Emmaus Dec. 7 to observe the 79th anniversary of the surprise attack on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The attack began just before 8 a.m. in Honolulu. LEFT: Chaplin Joe Malia offers the opening prayer 12:37 p.m. at the military honor roll memorial monument in Emmaus. Additional photos appear on Page A7. PRESS PHOTO BY C. RICHARD CHARTRAND

Bill Hildebrandt tells the story of Vincent Reinsmith, of Emmaus, who was aboard the battleship USS California at the time of the attack. The ship sank in 40 feet of water. Reinsmith survived the attack, however, 101 of the crew died. He would return home, marry and raise a family. Reinsmith died in 2000.

Jeff Gerhart presides as emcee at the observance.

A 21-gun salute sounds at exactly 12:55 p.m., local time, when the first bombs fell on Pearl Harbor. A moment of silence preceded the initial shots.

Bob Sedlock closes the ceremony with the playing of taps.