December 7, 1941, is a date that will be etched in the memories of Americans for generations to come. It was the day when the Imperial Japanese Navy launched a surprise attack on the United States naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, drawing the country into World War II. The attack, which killed 2,403 Americans and destroyed much of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, was a pivotal moment in modern history.
As the years have passed, the number of survivors of the attack has dwindled. Today, only 16 survivors remain, and they are all in their 90s. Despite their advanced age, these veterans continue to share their stories of heroism and sacrifice with the public, ensuring that the legacy of Pearl Harbor is not forgotten.
One of the surviving veterans is Ray Emory, who was a 19-year-old sailor on the USS Arizona when it was attacked. Emory’s ship was one of the first to be hit, and it sank quickly, taking 1,177 crew members with it. Emory was one of the lucky ones, managing to escape the sinking ship and swim to safety.
Emory’s experience on that day is still vivid in his mind. “I remember the sound of the planes coming in, the explosions, the smoke, and the flames,” he said in an interview. “It was chaos, pure chaos. But I also remember the bravery and selflessness of my fellow sailors, who risked their lives to save others.”
Emory’s story is just one of many that have been shared by the survivors of the attack. Another survivor, Lou Conter, was a 20-year-old sailor on the USS Arizona. Conter was on deck when the ship was hit and managed to escape by jumping into the water. He suffered severe burns and injuries but survived the attack.
Conter’s experience was also marked by bravery and selflessness. “I remember seeing my fellow sailors jumping into the water to escape the sinking ship,” he said. “I also saw sailors who were badly injured, but still managed to help others to safety.”
The stories of Emory, Conter, and the other survivors are a testament to the heroism and sacrifice of the men and women who served at Pearl Harbor. Their experiences are a reminder of the devastating consequences of war and the importance of preserving peace.
In recent years, there has been a concerted effort to preserve the legacy of Pearl Harbor for future generations. The USS Arizona Memorial, which was dedicated in 1962, is one of the most iconic landmarks in Hawaii. The memorial, which spans the length of the sunken battleship, is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made on that day.
In addition to the memorial, the Pacific Aviation Museum at Pearl Harbor is dedicated to preserving the history of the attack. The museum features exhibits on the attack, as well as a collection of artifacts and personal stories from the survivors.
The National Park Service also plays a crucial role in preserving the legacy of Pearl Harbor. The service operates the Pearl Harbor and USS Arizona Memorial, which attracts millions of visitors each year. The park service also provides educational programs and resources for students and teachers, ensuring that the history of the attack is not forgotten.
As the 83rd anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor approaches, the survivors and their families are reflecting on the significance of the event. For Emory, the anniversary is a time to remember the bravery and sacrifice of his fellow sailors. “It’s a time to reflect on the past and to honor the memories of those who gave their lives,” he said.
For Conter, the anniversary is also a time to think about the future. “We need to make sure that the lessons of Pearl Harbor are not forgotten,” he said. “We need to continue to work towards peace and to avoid the mistakes of the past.”
As the last survivors of the attack on Pearl Harbor pass on, their legacy will live on. Their stories of heroism and sacrifice will continue to inspire future generations, serving as a reminder of the importance of preserving peace and avoiding the devastating consequences of war.
