Key Takeaways
- Only 12 survivors of the 1941 Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor are still alive, all of whom are centenarians.
- None of the survivors are able to attend the annual remembrance ceremony in Hawaii this year, marking the first time no one with firsthand memories of the attack will be present.
- The development is not a surprise, as survivors have been fading in recent years, and their descendants and the public are increasingly turning to other ways of learning about the bombing.
- The National Park Service and the Library of Congress have collected oral histories and other materials from survivors to preserve their stories and memories.
- 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 is a significant event that has been attended by survivors for many years. However, this year marks a turning point, as none of the 12 remaining survivors, all of whom are centenarians, are able to attend the ceremony in Hawaii. This development is not a surprise, as the number of survivors has been dwindling in recent years. The ceremony, which begins with a moment of silence at 7:55 a.m., the same time the attack began on December 7, 1941, will still be held, but it will be the first time that no one with firsthand memories of the attack will be present.
The Significance of the Survivors’ Presence
The presence of survivors at the ceremony has been an essential part of the event, as they provide a personal and emotional connection to the attack. Many survivors have attended the ceremony in recent years, and their stories and memories have been an important part of the event. However, as the number of survivors has decreased, their descendants and the public have been turning to other ways of learning about the bombing. For example, the National Park Service has collected oral histories from survivors, which are now available online. The Library of Congress also has a collection of materials from survivors, including interviews, letters, photos, and diaries.
The Importance of Preserving History
The preservation of history is essential, and the stories and memories of the Pearl Harbor survivors are a crucial part of American history. The National Park Service and the Library of Congress have been working to collect and preserve the oral histories and other materials from survivors. These collections provide a unique and personal perspective on the attack and its aftermath. 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. The group’s president, Deidre Kelley, stated that "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 Meaning of the Bombing
The bombing of Pearl Harbor has held different meanings for different people over the years. Some see it as a reminder of the need for a well-prepared military and a vigilant foreign policy. Others view it as a symbol of 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. The survivors themselves have also reflected on the meaning of the attack, with some, like Harry Chandler, emphasizing the need for better intelligence and preparedness. Chandler stated that "we should have known that was going to happen. The intelligence has to be better."
The Legacy of the Survivors
The legacy of the Pearl Harbor survivors will continue to be felt for many years to come. Their stories and memories have been preserved through oral histories, interviews, and other materials. The National Park Service and the Library of Congress will continue to make these materials available to the public, ensuring that the history of the attack is not forgotten. The Sons and Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors group will also continue to work to keep the memory of the attack alive, through presentations, parades, and other events. As the number of survivors dwindles, it is essential that their stories and memories are preserved and passed on to future generations, to ensure that the history of the attack is not forgotten.
Conclusion
The absence of Pearl Harbor survivors at the annual remembrance ceremony this year marks a significant turning point in the history of the attack. However, it is also an opportunity to reflect on the importance of preserving history and the legacy of the survivors. The National Park Service, the Library of Congress, and the Sons and Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors group are all working to ensure that the stories and memories of the survivors are preserved and passed on to future generations. As the number of survivors continues to dwindle, it is essential that their legacy is not forgotten, and that their stories and memories continue to be told and remembered.