Pearl Harbor observance 2017

Richard Hengst speaks during the American Legion Post 63 Pearl Harbor observance Thursday, Dec. 7, 2017 at the riverfront in Cape Girardeau. (Andrew J. Whitaker ~ Southeast Missourian)

John Yallaly tosses a red wreath into the Mississippi River during the American Legion Post 63 Pearl Harbor observance Thursday, Dec. 7, 2017 at the riverfront in Cape Girardeau. (Andrew J. Whitaker ~ Southeast Missourian)

The American Legion Post 63 Pearl Harbor observance Thursday, Dec. 7, 2017 at the riverfront in Cape Girardeau. (Andrew J. Whitaker ~ Southeast Missourian)

People listen during the American Legion Post 63 Pearl Harbor observance Thursday, Dec. 7, 2017 at the riverfront in Cape Girardeau. (Andrew J. Whitaker ~ Southeast Missourian)

A wreath floats in the Mississippi River during the American Legion Post 63 Pearl Harbor observance Thursday, Dec. 7, 2017 at the riverfront in Cape Girardeau. (Andrew J. Whitaker ~ Southeast Missourian)

Roses are thrown into the river during the American Legion Post 63 Pearl Harbor observance Thursday, Dec. 7, 2017 at the riverfront in Cape Girardeau. (Andrew J. Whitaker ~ Southeast Missourian)

People bow their heads for prayer during the American Legion Post 63 Pearl Harbor observance Thursday, Dec. 7, 2017 at the riverfront in Cape Girardeau. (Andrew J. Whitaker ~ Southeast Missourian)

Richard Hengst speaks during the American Legion Post 63 Pearl Harbor observance Thursday, Dec. 7, 2017 at the riverfront in Cape Girardeau. (Andrew J. Whitaker ~ Southeast Missourian)

Richard Hengst speaks during the American Legion Post 63 Pearl Harbor observance Thursday, Dec. 7, 2017 at the riverfront in Cape Girardeau. (Andrew J. Whitaker ~ Southeast Missourian)

From left, Jennifer Fowler with the Dexter Auxiliary, Caroline Heise and Helen Heise with the Jackson Auxiliary pose for a photo during the American Legion Post 63 Pearl Harbor observance Thursday, Dec. 7, 2017 at the riverfront in Cape Girardeau. (Andrew J. Whitaker ~ Southeast Missourian)