Community members are invited to attend a luncheon gathering to remember the Attack on Pearl Harbor and to honor World War II, Korea and Vietnam veterans who have recently passed away.

The luncheon, which will be hosted at the Oak Harbor Elks Club on Thursday, Dec. 7, is the result of a collaboration between the Pacific Northwest Naval Air Museum, the Navy League of the United States, the PBY Memorial Foundation, the Military Officers Association of America and the Association of Naval Aviation — also known as ANA.

Howard Gulley, treasurer for the Whidbey Island ANA who will act as master of ceremonies at the event, said the luncheon has been taking place for over two decades, bringing veterans from Island, San Juan and Skagit counties who have experienced the attack on Pearl Harbor.

However, local Pearl Harbor veterans have all died, Gulley said. This year, the names of over 170 World War II, Korea and Vietnam veterans who have died between November 2022 and November 2023 will be read.

Every year, the luncheon features a presentation about a particular aspect of the attack on Pearl Harbor. This year, the topic will be the role of Japanese intelligence in the attack.

A volunteer at the Naval Air Museum, Arthur Morris, will read a poem.

The event is open to the public and admission is free. The buffet, provided by the Elks, costs $15 per guest. Doors open at 11 a.m., and lunch starts at 11:30.

Gulley believes the event is a reminder that an attack like the one on Pearl Harbor can happen again, and that it’s important to “remember and stay on guard,” while also honoring those who served.