Key Takeaways:
- Only 12 survivors of the 1941 Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor are still alive, all of whom are centenarians.
- None of the surviving veterans were able to attend the annual remembrance ceremony in Hawaii this year.
- The ceremony, which marks the 82nd anniversary of the attack, was attended by descendants of survivors and the public, who are increasingly turning to other ways of learning about the bombing.
- The National Park Service and the Library of Congress have recorded oral histories and collected artifacts from survivors to preserve their stories for future generations.
- The Sons and Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors group is working to keep the memory of the attack alive through presentations, parades, and other events.
Introduction to the Ceremony
The annual remembrance ceremony for the 1941 Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor was held on the military base’s waterfront in Hawaii, but for the first time in recent memory, no survivors were able to attend. The 12 remaining survivors, all of whom are centenarians, were unable to make the pilgrimage to Hawaii due to various reasons, including illness. This marks a significant shift in the way the ceremony is conducted, as survivors have been the center of attention for many years. The ceremony began with a moment of silence at 7:55 a.m. local time, the same time the attack began on December 7, 1941, and was followed by solemn rituals, including a flyover by fighter jets in "missing man formation" and the presentation of wreaths to honor the dead.
The Significance of the Ceremony
The ceremony is an important event that allows the public to pay their respects to the over 2,300 troops who lost their lives in the attack, which catapulted the United States into World War II. For many years, survivors have been present at the ceremony, sharing their stories and experiences with the public. However, as the number of survivors dwindles, their descendants and the public are increasingly turning to other ways of learning about the bombing. The ceremony is not just a tribute to the past, but also a reminder of the importance of being prepared and vigilant in the face of potential threats. As Harry Chandler, a survivor who passed away last year, said, "Be prepared. We should have known that was going to happen. The intelligence has to be better."
Lessons from the Past
The bombing of Pearl Harbor has long held different meanings for different people. Some see it as a reminder of the need for a well-prepared military and a vigilant foreign policy, while others focus on the "treachery" of Japan or the heroic acts of individual troops. Historian Emily S. Rosenberg wrote in her book "A Date Which Will Live: Pearl Harbor in American Memory" that the bombing has been interpreted in many different ways over the years. For Lou Conter, who was the last living survivor of the USS Arizona when he died last year, the ceremony was a way to remember those who lost their lives and to pay respect to them. Conter’s story, like those of many other survivors, is a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving the history of the attack.
Preserving the History
In an effort to preserve the stories of the survivors, the National Park Service and the Library of Congress have recorded oral histories and collected artifacts from survivors. The Park Service has nearly 800 interviews, most of which are on video, and the Library of Congress has collections from 535 Pearl Harbor survivors, including interviews, letters, photos, and diaries. Many of these collections are available online, providing a valuable resource for researchers and the public. The Sons and Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors group is also working to keep the memory of the attack alive through presentations, parades, and other events. As Deidre Kelley, the group’s president, said, "When they’re all gone, we’re still going to be here, and it’s our intent to keep the memory alive as long as we’re alive."
The Future of Remembrance
As the number of survivors continues to dwindle, it is likely that the ceremony will continue to evolve. The National Park Service is planning to include more of the recorded oral histories in its Pearl Harbor museum after renovations, and the Library of Congress is working to make more of its collections available online. The Sons and Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors group is also expanding its membership, with new members including great-grandchildren of survivors. These efforts will help to ensure that the memory of the attack is preserved for future generations, and that the lessons of the past are not forgotten. As Kimberlee Heinrichs, whose father is a survivor, said, "The idea of not having a survivor there for the first time — I just, I don’t know — it hurt my heart in a way I can’t describe." The ceremony is an important reminder of the significance of the attack, and the need to continue to honor and remember those who lost their lives.