The 73rd anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor was observed in Lehighton on Sunday.

The Lehighton United Veterans Organization held a service at the World War II Memorial along Sgt. Stanley Hoffman Boulevard (Route 209). The street is named for a World War II combat victim.The service consisted of the laying of a wreath at the memorial, remarks by two military veterans, prayers, a gun salute and the sounding of taps.The UVO members then proceeded to the Lehighton VFW Post, and the Lehighton American Legion Post where brief services were also held.About 20 spectators gathered for the main program.Main speaker Harry Wynn III, past commander of the Legion and VFW posts, said, "On this day 73 years ago, we remember the event that changed America's destiny. The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor tested the resolve of Americans like never before."Wynn said the attack resulted in more than 3,500 dead or wounded, 21 ships sunk or damaged and more than 340 aircraft damaged or destroyed."Although it was a day of enormous tragedy, it was also a day that served to reignite our national pride and our great American spirit," he said.Wynn said, "We recall the events of Dec. 7, 1941, but more importantly, we remember the thousands of soldiers, sailors, Marines, airmen, and coast guardsmen who died during that terrible ambush and in the years that followed."The speaker said Pearl Harbor taught us to be vigilant, adding, "It taught us the necessity of maintaining a strong national defense and a well-trained and well-equipped military, able to hinder the efforts of freedom-hating tyrants."Kevin M. Long, Lehighton UVO commander, said that when the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor occurred, "It was a beautiful Sunday, much as it is today."Long laid the wreath at the memorial.Bugler Henry Long played taps following the rifle salute.