Sioux City services reflect back on Pearl Harbor attack - KTIV News 4 Sioux City IA: News, Weather and Sports

Seventy-one-years-ago, the attack on Pearl Harbor sent emotional shockwave's across the United States. Friday, a ceremony was held in Sioux City to honor those who were involved.

It's an event that motivated many young people to join the service. One of those young men is Phil Severson of Sioux City.

Severson was a young child at his family's farm listening to the radio, when he heard the news that later would inspire him to join the Navy. He says the events of Pearl Harbor, parallel the attacks of 9/11.

"I'm afraid too many people forget too quickly and even now, people are forgetting 9/11, so how can you expect some of the young people to understand December 7th," Retired Seaman Phil Severson with the U.S. Navy said.

While Severson was not yet old enough to serve at the time, he hopes his experience will remind people about the importance of honoring and defending our country.