It was seventy years ago today that America was stunned by the surprise Japanese attack on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor.

Today, dozens of North Central Florida residents braved the rain to honor the loss of service members killed that day.

The seventh annual Pearl Harbor Survivors and World War II Veterans Recognition Day was held at Kanapaha Park.

The ceremony was hosted by the Korean War Veterans Association.

The keynote speaker, Capt. Brad Roberson, spoke about the sacrifices made by the greatest generation, and how the attacks on Pearl Harbor resembled those of 9/11.

Throughout the ceremony, veterans were asked to stand up, and they were thanked for their service.

Among them was retired Navy Capt. Donald Dertien. Dertion, a Pearl Harbor survivor, emotionally recalled the day seven decades ago that he was awoken and told the Utah battleship was on fire.

With a trembling chin, he talked about the Japanese planes flying toward him, and the body bags strewn about in the aftermath of the battle.

Dertien said he'll never forget that day. He said the memorial was beautiful and he enjoyed the support of the community.

More than two thousand were killed on December 7th, 1941 and another 1,200 were injured.