State Rep. Fred Costello reflects on Pearl Harbor through beauty of Ormond Beach park

YouTube download /  video by Military Files Documentary Films / Pearl Harbor The Untold Story - Military Documentary Films.
Photos for Headline Surfer / Fred Costello, an Air Force veteran, whose term in the Florida Statehouse ends this month, reflects on the 75th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor through the beauty and tranquility of Rockefeller Park in Ormond Beach.
 
Fred Costello, guest column / Headline Surfer®By FRED COSTELLO
Community Voices
For Headline Surfer

ORMOND BEACH, Fla. -- This is one of my favorite photos of Rockefeller Park in Ormond Beach. It reminds me of how blessed we are to live in the land of the free because we are the home of the brave.

On this 75th anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor, I suspect we are all thinking of parents/family who served in World War II. We are a grateful nation for their service and the freedoms their sacrifice preserved. 

A total of 2,335 US servicemen were killed and 1,143 were wounded. Sixty-eight civilians were also killed and 35 were wounded. 

The day after the attack on Pearl Harbor, President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared that December 7, 1941, would be "a date that will live in infamy." The US subsequently declared war on Japan.

On this 75th anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor, I suspect we are all thinking of parents/family who served in World War II. We are a grateful nation for their service and the freedoms their sacrifice preserved. 

A total of 2,335 US servicemen were killed and 1,143 were wounded. Sixty-eight civilians were also killed and 35 were wounded. 

The day after the attack on Pearl Harbor, President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared that December 7, 1941, would be "a date that will live in infamy." The US subsequently declared war on Japan.

May God Bless all who serve today in the US armed services! We must make sure to show them the appreciation they deserve in both word and deed. And we must forever show our appreciation to all veterans.

May God continue to Bless America!

Fred Costello
Dec. 7, 2016

Headline Surfer Multimedia: Pearl Harbor 75th remembrances

YouTube download /  video by USAA / Herb Weatherwax, Pearl Harbor survivor, recalls the historical significance of Pearl Harbor.
 
YouTube download /  video by USAA / Al Rodrigues, Pearl Harbor survivor and his son, Al Rodrigues Jr., explain Pearl Harbor's significance to them.

State Rep. Fred Costello / Headline Surfer®Fred Costello Bio:

• Fred Costello is a Republican member of the Florida House of Representatives, representing district 25 from 2014 through the end of this month. He previously served in the chamber, representing district 26 from 2010 to 2012.
• Did not seek re-election to the Florida House. Instead, Costello ran for Congress, but was defeated by incumbent Ron DeSantis in the Republican primary on Aug. 30. 
• Formerly served as the elected mayor of Ormond Beach.
• Was born (Feb. 9, 1950) and raised in Orlando. He earned his BS from Graceland University and his DDS from the University of Iowa.
 • Has a dental practice in Ormond Beach, the same community he and wife, Linda Costello, call home.
• Served as a captain in the Air Force from 1974 to 1977.
• Fred Costello is an entrant in the inaugural Headline Surfer Hall of Fame.