HUNTINGTON, Texas (KETK) – The Huntington Highsteppers attended Pearl Harbor’s 80th Anniversary on December 5 to perform for our veterans in Hawaii.

Despite the weather, the team had a busy schedule.

“We had some tough challenges while we were there and I’m really proud of our performance and their character throughout the week,” said Malerie Clifton, captain of the Huntington Highsteppers.

Clifton added that the team is doing well regardless of the problem.

On December 7, the Highsteppers performed nine dances.

“I loved being able to see all the different things that you don’t see here and all the food and it was just amazing,” said Lanie Barrett, a 10th grade Huntington Highstepper member. “I liked it.”

When they weren’t dancing, the team had the chance to visit ships, museums and memorials. They hiked the Diamond Head and Halona Blowhole, but the USS Arizona was at the top of the list of favorite places for girls to visit.

“I would say probably go to the USS Arizona to see that and see the ship, it really hurt my heart for the sailors who couldn’t get out because there were over 2,000 of them out there. were staying in Arizona, “said Chancy Dodd, co-captain of the Huntington Highsteppers.” It broke my heart to see the ship and to see the bridge because 80 years ago these men didn’t had no idea what was going to happen. “

The girls participated in a flag folding ceremony and went home with this flag. They were also able to lay wreaths in honor of those whose lives were lost 80 years ago.

“I’m just so thankful that we were able to go and I will never think of Pearl Harbor the same way and hope everyone experiences it one day,” Clifton said.

The Highsteppers said they now have a better understanding of what happened that day 80 years ago. It is something they will never forget. The girls said they were honored to have had the chance to travel to Hawaii and perform for the 80th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack.