Pearl Harbor anniversary known as Gannam Day at BC

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By Michelle Paynter - bio | email

SAVANNAH, GA (WTOC) - One of the men who died in the attack on Pearl Harbor was a Savannah man, Staff Sergeant George Gannam. Gannam was a 1938 graduate of the Benedictine Military School.

This year marks the 68th anniversary of that day that will live in infamy. At BC December 7 is known at Gannam Day.

The BC corps of cadets have studied the attack in their history books. On Monday, they showed their appreciation to the Gannam family for Sgt. Gannam's sacrifice to our country.

Dozens of cadets marched onto the field in formation. There were a few World War II veterans in the crowd. Marvin Brown is a US Navy veteran. He said he's proud to see these young men pay tribute to those who were lost.

"Some people are young enough now they say, 'Pearl who?'" Brown said. "Not these cadets, they are aware of what the history is."

Cadet Colonel Jason Zettler says knowing a fellow cadet died in that attack makes December 7 all that more important. "Sitting up there listening to the general talk and honoring a BC brother it means a lot. He graduated class of '38, first Savannahian who died in World War II."

Gannam's nephew, also a BC graduate, accepted a flag in George Gannam's memory. A flag that will fly over the BC campus.

Joe Gannam said, "I think it's not just remembering, I think it's important we always remember not just those who have gone before us and sacrificed but also those oversees fighter our conflicts."

That sentiment was echoed by the guest speaker, Brigadier General Jeffery Phillips, the senior commander of Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield. He reminded the guests and the cadets how why it so important to remember the attack on Pearl Harbor and compared it to another day that will live in infamy.

"To us September 11 is the dawn of a new memory, images of smoke and fire and carnage," General Phillips said.

General Phillips challenged the cadets to never forget the sacrifices made and do something important with their own lives.