HONOLULU, HI - Four talented students from Pender County Schools recently made their mark in the Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade on December 7th, 2023, in Honolulu, Hawaii. Lexie Kelley from Surf City Middle School, Madison Kelley from Topsail High School, Madison Wells from Heide Trask High School, and Chelsea Manzanares from Pender Early College High School danced alongside America's Clogging All-Stars in the annual event.
Organized by the Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade Committee, the parade serves as a respectful commemoration of the events that transpired on December 7th, 1941, officially recognized by the Mayor of Honolulu as the "Official Public Event Marking the Anniversary of the Attack on Pearl Harbor." This year's parade carried the theme "remembering the past and celebrating our future."
Honoring veterans and emphasizing unity, the parade highlighted the idea that former adversaries can become friends and allies. The USS Arizona Memorial, dedicated in 1962, stands as a somber reminder of those who lost their lives during the attack, maintained by dedicated survivors.
The Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade featured a diverse array of performers from local, state, and national levels, with contributions from dignitaries, military groups, and officials, all joining together to share the Spirit of America.
