It was a time to remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

A scant crowd was on hand for the celebration of the 82nd anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor Thursday afternoon at the Lehighton Veterans Memorial.

The Lehighton United Veterans Organization, as it does each year, met at 12:48 p.m. (7:48 p.m. Pacific time) to remember the attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941.

Lehighton UVO Commander Kevin “Spike” Long thanked those who attended, and then began the event with the national anthem, followed by a prayer.

Long acknowledged that it was 82 years ago Thursday when the fateful attack on Pearl Harbor occurred that brought the United States into World War II.

He said that 60 of Lehighton’s fine young men gave their lives while serving during World War II so that we may enjoy the freedoms that we have today.

“May we never forget their sacrifices on that day,” Long said. “Please never forget, and always remember why we are the land of the free.”

There was also a wreath laying, dedication of services, moment of silence, and military honors at the end of the program.