Mayor Court has proclaimed Friday, December 7, 2018 as “Joseph Gasper Day in Ellwood City”, which is also Pearl Harbor Day.
In the photo is Mayor Court, Mr. Gasper and Mr. Sam Teolis, a former Ellwood City Mayor and a Service Officer, Veterans Honor Guard for both Beaver and Lawrence County.
Mayor Court refers to Joseph Gasper as a Hero. A World War II Veteran for his “Unwavering love and service to his Country”.
The proclamation reads as follows:
WHEREAS, as an Ellwood City native, Joseph Gasper has served the United States of America with honor and dignity; and, WHEREAS, Joseph Gasper has served his country as a World War II Decorated Veteran and as a Pearl Harbor Survivor; and, WHEREAS, Joseph Gasper is a kind and loving person who served his country and his community with the most honorable accomplishments; and, WHEREAS, it is a privilege for the Ellwood City community to know Joseph Gasper for his unwavering love and service to his country and his hometown; and, WHEREAS, we recognition Joseph Gasper for his dedicated commitment to his country, his family and his local community; and NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that as Mayor of the Borough of Ellwood City, I hereby proclaim that December 7, 2018, Pearl Harbor Day, be recognized annually as “Joseph Gasper Day” in Ellwood City.
Resident Gasper To Be Interviewed By KDKA
Pearl Harbor Survivor Joseph Gasper, who is 100 years old and seven months, will be featured on KDKA news Friday December 7th on the anniversary of the attack. Gasper is one the last survivor from our area of the attack on Pearl Harbor.
On Wednesday, Mayor Anthony Court of Ellwood City, made a proclamation declaring every December 7th in Ellwood City henceforth will be known as ‘Joseph Gasper Day’ in honor and memory of the decorated Army veteran.
Gasper was one of the first injured in that attack on December 7, 1941. Gasper still vividly remembers the Attack. He doesn’t like to talk about it much, but still recalls seeing the “Whites of their eyes and teeth” as the Japanese bombers flew almost level to them on the hilltop where Staff Sargeant Gasper and his men were training that early morning.
KDKA’s John Shumway is going to interview the centenarian at his residence Friday, with the piece expected to run at some point during the day or following days on one of KDKA’s many news broadcasts.
Congratulations Mr. Gasper and thank you for your service to our Country.