Former President and Mrs. Bush host 75th Anniversary Commemoration of the Pearl Harbor attacks

The Pearl Harbor ceremony at Texas A&M featured multi flyovers by vintage aircraft. The diving planes provided a small simulation of the attacks on Pearl Harbor 75 years ago. The event Wednesday morning was hosted by former President George Bush and the First Lady at the Bush Library on the campus. They were joined by retired US Senator Bob Dole.

After the ceremony, and a panel discussion about the attack, the 41st president was brought to the stage. He has trouble speaking in public now but during the event he could be seen trying to sing along with a choir that performed.

The president's former political partner, Senator Dole, however was a little more talkative. After being recognized for his service by the Bush library, Dole provided a few light moments as he praised the former Commander in Chief.

"We worked together for years and I was proud to be his leader in the Senate because I liked what he stood for he wanted to make America and I won't say great again ," joked Senator Dole in a reference to the campaign theme for President elect Donald Trump

Pearl Harbor survivor Aaron Cook was also on hand for the gathering.

He shared memories of the day which -will always - live in infamy.

"I grew up in one day," said Cook.

75 years ago Cook was a teenager and assigned to the naval air station on Ford Island when the attacks happened. "We figured, what are they doing having practice it's Sunday morning you know," said Cook.

Two other veterans, Ted Kirkpatrick and Richard Ellzey were brought to the event by The Houston Honor Flight program. "Well, I would like to stay out of the wars, but if we're gonna fight a war I wish we would fight it not play around on it," said Kirkpatrick.

Both men expressed their feeling that the resolve which won the war they fought, needs to be felt once again.

"It seems like a different attitude today I don't know what's wrong with them people," said Ellzey.

The veterans also remembered that before they signed up there was a strong anti-war sentiment similar to what the country is experiencing now. "I hope they realize it's something that we don't want to do again, just say I don't want to do it again," said Cook.

But the veterans agree history continues to show that despite the heartache war will cause, a blindside attack can also make the call to duty even stronger

With most World War II veterans now in their 90's, eventually all that will be left will be the machines that they used during the war. But the legacy of their sacrifice and service will certainly never be forgotten as long as ceremonies like the one at Texas A&M continued to be held.