Amata marks Pearl Harbor Anniversary by recalling her Dad's involvement
December 07, 2004

PAGO PAGO. Aumua Amata today marked the anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor by reminiscing about her father's involvement. Army Lieutenant Peter Tali Coleman was returning to duty at Schofield Barracks just before explosions shattered the calm morning of December 7, 1941. The young Samoan soldier did not suffer any injuries although his jeep was strafed by bullets from enemy airplanes as they entered Hawaii.

Amata said, "In 1991, President George H.W. Bush traveled to Pearl Harbor to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack and I was privileged to accompany Governor Coleman, one of the survivors who had been invited to the ceremonies. We took a small military vessel out to the USS Arizona where a tiny group had gathered, including President Bush. Most of the participants, a very large group, remained onshore for the ceremony because space aboard the ARIZONA was limited to certain invitees."

Amata concluded by saying, "Early this morning the 63rd anniversary of Pearl Harbor was once again held aboard the USS Arizona and as we remember that "day of infamy" in a then-U.S. territory which resulted in World War II, we thank God for our sons and daughters in the military who leave our tranquil and serene home islands and deliberately put their lives in harm's way in order to protect that tranquility, peace and freedom not only for our people but for all of America."