NORTH WILDWOOD-- A ceremony in North Wildwood was held to remember those who lost their lives 68 years ago Monday in the attack at Pearl Harbor.

Sunday, December 7th, 1941 is a day many like Nelson Rekos will never forget. "I was playing football, lived in Philly then...all I remember was we got the message that this day will live in infamy."

President Franklin D. Roosevelt's words about the Imperial Japanese Navy's surprise attack on the American Army and Navy base in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii changed lives, as men and women stepped up to defend their country. "It was a tremendous feeling and almost everyone I knew...belonged to an athletic club...40 of us and 40 of us enlisted...the next day there."

Following the attack, the United States declared war on Japan and World War II began.

And Monday, those veterans and members of north wildwood's V.F.W. Post 5941 that made it home after the war, are remembering those who lost their lives protecting our country. “World War II was second most costly war in U.S., there were 400 thousand lives lost in World War II, only more costly war was Civil War," said Joseph Orlando, Commander of V.F.W. Post 5941.

Veterans and organizations around the country held ceremonies to remember Pearl Harbor Day, the ceremony here in North Wildwood is just one of only a few in the state and the only one in Cape May County. Orlando explained, “We started it in 1991, 50th anniversary, we just carried it on, Cape May County is very rich in veterans, we do realize unless we remember what happened in the past, we're due to relive it."

And many feel that with fewer and fewer ceremonies held each year, the significance of Pearl Harbor Day is being forgotten.

But John Berthcsi, is making sure his granddaughters, Macy and Sienna grow up understanding history. "Well, we just don't want them to ever forget, we're all getting older and we need young people to contribute."

So year after year, Orlando says they will continue to make sure Cape May County never forgets. "It's our little way of preserving American history and showing our respect and honor for soldiers of World War II."