HONOLULU (AP) — Groups are working together to formally invite President Barack Obama to be the keynote speaker at the 75th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack.
HONOLULU (AP) — Groups are working together to formally invite President Barack Obama to be the keynote speaker at the 75th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack.
The collaboration includes the National Park Service, Hawaii’s congressional delegation and a committee of leaders in the local business community, including Hawaii Tourism Authority CEO George Szigeti, Hawaii News Now reported (https://bit.ly/1Or97Uz ).
“I think it would be an honor for him to be here and speak on their behalf,” Szigeti said.
Pearl Harbor survivor Ray Emory was at the USS Arizona Memorial in 1991 when President George Bush delivered a speech commemorating the 50th anniversary of the attack. He said that speech was a milestone, and that a speech from Obama would be a “last hurray.”
“It’s the end of his term,” he said. “One big hurray for the president.”
Emory said a speech from Obama would be especially important considering the commander-in-chief’s roots.
“Particularly for him being from Hawaii … I think it’s important, damn important,” Emory said. “He’s the number one guy and it’s a big day.”