Representative Lisonbee honors USS Utah on Pearl Harbor Day in Utah resolution

The 2024 General Legislative Session in Utah convened on January 31, 2024, to discuss several key issues, including a significant resolution recognizing the USS Utah. Presented by Representative Joseph E. Lisonbee, the concurrent resolution aims to honor the legacy of the USS Utah and its crew, particularly in light of the events of December 7, 1941.

The resolution was first heard in the Economic Development and Workforce Services Committee, where it received overwhelming support, passing with a vote of 9-0-1. Representative Lisonbee emphasized the historical importance of the USS Utah, noting that it was the first ship attacked during the Pearl Harbor assault at 8:01 AM. He recounted the bravery of Chief Water Tender Peter Tomich, who, despite being ordered to evacuate, stayed behind to help prevent the ship from imploding, ultimately sacrificing his life along with 58 others.

Lisonbee highlighted that Tomich's actions saved many lives and led to his posthumous recognition, including the naming of a destroyer after him and the awarding of the Congressional Medal of Honor, which remains unclaimed. The resolution seeks to rectify the historical oversight regarding the USS Utah, which has been referred to as the "forgotten ship" due to the lack of recognition it received after the attack.

The resolution calls for statewide commemoration of Pearl Harbor Day, beginning at 8:01 AM, to honor the USS Utah and its crew. It encourages cities, towns, and counties across Utah to include this remembrance in their December 7 memorials, ensuring that the sacrifices made on that day are not forgotten.

As the session progressed, Representative Lisonbee opened the floor for comments and questions, inviting further discussion on this important historical acknowledgment. The resolution represents a significant step towards honoring the memory of those who served on the USS Utah and ensuring their legacy is preserved in Utah's history.