E-mail updates
Follow on Twitter
Subscribe to RSSEvery year, survivors of the attack on Pearl Harbor have gathered there to mark the occasion. But this year, the 70th anniversary, will likely be the last such get-together. NBC's George Lewis reports.
PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii -- Under calm skies 70 years to the day of the attack on Pearl Harbor, about 120 survivors gathered Wednesday to mark the anniversary with ceremonies that began with a moment of silence for the 2,400 Americans who lost their lives.
And towards the end, it came with an announcement that seemed inevitable: The Pearl Harbor Survivors Association will disband on Dec. 31.
Association President William Muehleib cited the age and poor health of remaining members.
"It was time. Some of the requirements became a burden," Muehleib said after the ceremony.
The association has 2,700 members but there are an estimated 7,000 to 8,000 Pearl Harbor survivors. Local chapters will function as long as they have members and survivors can gather socially, but they will no longer have a formal, national group that organizes an annual trip for the anniversary.
The moment of silence came just before 8 a.m., when the first Japanese planes launched their attack. The survivors were joined by Navy Secretary Ray Mabus, military leaders and civilians at a ceremony in Pearl Harbor.
"You the survivors, as well as those who were lost, earned with your blood, with your sacrifice, a legacy you have passed on to those who followed," Mabus said.
Altogether 3,000 people attended the event at a site overlooking the sunken USS Arizona and the white memorial that straddles the battleship.
In a statement, President Barack Obama hailed veterans of the bombing and proclaimed Wednesday as "National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day."
NBC's Stephanie Stanton reports.
"Their tenacity helped define the Greatest Generation and their valor fortified all who served during World War II. As a nation, we look to December 7, 1941, to draw strength from the example set by these patriots and to honor all who have sacrificed for our freedoms," he said.
Also this week, five ash scattering and interment ceremonies are being held for five survivors whose cremated remains are returning to Pearl Harbor after their deaths.
NBC Video: 2001, 1991, 1981 ceremonies revisited
On Tuesday, an urn containing the ashes of Lee Soucy was placed on his battleship, the USS Utah, which is lying on its side near the place where it sank. The ashes of Vernon Olsen, who was on the Arizona during the attack, will be placed on his ship late Wednesday.
The U.S. lost 12 vessels that day, but the Arizona and the Utah are the only ones still sitting in the harbor. The attack brought the United States into World War II.
The ashes of three other survivors will be scattered in the water in separate ceremonies this week.
PhotoBlog: Images from 70 years ago
USS Utah survivor Gilbert Meyer said he comes back each year to see his shipmates entombed in the battleship which rests not far from where it sank off Ford Island.
Meyer, 88, recalled his ship rolling over after being hit by a torpedo and seeing Japanese planes dropping bombs. When the planes began showing machine gun fire, he knew it was time to move.
"That really got my attention so I got in the water and swam ashore," he said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Pearl Harbor coverage:
- Last witnesses: Memories of Pearl Harbor
- A historical look back at the Day of Infamy
- Pearl Harbor veteran recalls bewilderment of attack
- After death, Pearl Harbor survivor returns to his ship
- Satellite views from today and 1941
- How Pearl Harbor Day is being commemorated
- Pearl Harbor memories live on in New Orleans exhibit
- Video: Survivors gather to recall Pearl Harbor attacks
- Search msnbc.com for articles about 'Pearl Harbor'
- Pearl Harbor pictures from the Naval History and Heritage Command
Leave a Comment:
That generation's 911.
Agreed.
You meant 9/11, right? 12/7/1941 was their 9/11/2001, is what you were trying to say, poorly.
TRY to "always remember" that 9/11/2001 is a DATE which should always live in INFAMY.
What is ironic is that PNAC wished for a new Pearl Harbor to hasten the 'rebuilding" of America's defenses prior to 9/11/2001. JEB Bush was a member of PNAC.
What is doubly ironic is that Franklin Roosevelt, a Mason, knew ahead of time that the Japanese were going to attack at Pearl, just as JEB and GHW Skull&Bones Bush, along with CHENEY, knew 9/11/2001 was going to go down on George's watch.
Paul-977599: Wrong post to act like a dick, dick.
Paul don't be a dick, I don't think he meant that Pearl Harbor was that generation's way of calling the authorities. You knew what he meant, I knew what he meant, don't be a debbie-downer for your own self-righteous, know-it-all attitude.
leave the kid alone, it was a simple comment...
Your penis, and your brain, shrink every day, Paul.
By a simple person. USNAVYRetired.......I seriously doubt if he's a"kid"..
What I am objecting to is the constant CONFLATION of a date, 9/11/2001, with an emergency number 911. People like Michelle Bachmann refuse to say September 11th, 2001 because they don't want people to remember when it happened. She always calls it "nine one one", IN AN ATTEMPT TO PROTECT BUSH, and her Republican party. You would be shocked to see how many Americans can't tell you when 9/11 happened.
Paul, have you no respect for your elders?
What a ridiculous post. Sometimes comments should be moderated, if not banned from some of these stories.
Correction, 9/11 is this generations Pearl Harbor.
Sure. Call for censorship. What a bad American you must be.
The sad thing is that these 'heroes" had 70 years to demand answers as to how they and their brothers were put in their desperate positions on that day in December. But they were brainwashed into believing that demanding answers was an UN-American activity, just like you and your ilk don't want 9/11/2001 properly INVESTIGATED.
Paul, people like you make me sick to call american. This "greatest generation" we are remembering here experienced their "911" as the poster was noting, you douche. This has nothing to do with republicans, turd. I hate calling people names but wtf?? When you can contribute to america as these war vets did after that day in Pearl Harbor, then come back and let me know. Until then, keep your garbage mouth closed about things that you have twisted in your self-consumed head. These men (and women) are my heroes. The "heart" "this generation" possessed I long to see return to this land.
Paul -
Everything - EVERYTHING - in both of your posts after the ridiculous "date" discussion was wrong, taken in both senses of the word.
How do YOU pronounce 911? Many people pronounce it nine-eleven which was probably the original posters' intent. I'm surprised you did not start a treatise about European standards for writing a date.
Today is not a day for political noise, it's a day to remember those that fought and died to protect us. And it is a day to remember that there are those that still wish to ruin this great country.
Since 9/11/2001 is a date, we all knew it would happen. Well, maybe not you.
Paul, another asinine comment that has nothing to do with the story. Are you so filled with hatred that you have to turn/spin every story for more political polarization? YOU are a perfect example of what is wrong with this country. Please seek professional help immediately and good luck with your recovery.
If you don't hate the continuing deception of 9/11/2001, and 12/7/1941, then you are at best an ignoramous.
Paul, it was the Japanese that actually attacked on 9/11. Although the people who attacked the buildings with planes on 9/11 were from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Lebanon, and Emirates, and six of them have turned up alive back in their home countries, we still don't know who actually planted the high-tech Thermite. So it's not as clear-cut as Pearl Harbor. But keep the flicking on the light switch. More bulbs will eventually light up.
my apologies for the name calling in previous post...but not for my viewpoint. Thank you WWII vets for all you sacrificed for America.
"That generation's 9/11" but with a difference. Over 60 million people were killed in WWII, which was over 2.5% of the world population.
I can't even begin to imagine the horror of what went on there. I also can't imagine walking around with those memories for 70 years and still having a full life. I honestly can't. I've noticed that WWII vets hardly ever talk about it.
I remember 9/11 as an appalling nightmare but for these guys every day was 9/11 for YEARS
I am in constant awe of these brave people. I wish I had a more eloquent way of expressing how my heart feels whenever I see the images from Pearl Harbor, even though it happened decades before I was born.
Everyone, Paul is just another troll. Just ignore it.
"Just Ignore it." Human is just another admitted IGNORAMOUS.
It is sad to see this generation of brave soldiers dying off. My good friends father who was there at Pearl Harbor died several months ago and it really made me sad that the pain they suffered that day stuck with him his whole life, and he made a really good life too. Thanks guys and gals for all you did to end the Military Madness that gripped the world back then.
I can only wish that for my generation of today and the Military Madness that has got control of my country now.. War is not the answer to every problem unlike it was back then in December, 1941..
My great-uncle was one of the civil engineers in charge of the underwater salvage operation following the attacks.... so an infinite "thanks" to these great men, their brothers who did not survive, and all the heroes of World War Two. We will never forget you.
@Paul
I say that YOU KNEW about 9/11 before it happened and FAILED to do anything about it...because you are a muslim terrorist ...and I have as much prove to back it up as you do to back up the stupidity that have spewed...not a personal attack , just an observation...isn't it cool?
Respect and honor goes to those who lose their lives, friends, and family members that day.
Paul: Go somewhere else, your disrespect and divisive ramblings aren't cared for here.
Wait, did we squander trillions of dollars to bomb a few hundred thousand brown people back to the stone age after Pearl Harbor too?
Pearl Harbor was an act of war by a foreign empire. 9/11 was an act of revenge by a couple dozen muslims with box-cutters. Don't ever conflate the two.
It's time to end the war on brown people and focus exclusively on our real adversary in the 21st century, China. We've got a lot of catching up to do, they're eating our lunch.
Paul, I bet you weren't breast fed. Yeah, that must be it.
Melissa, there's a good book titled "Descent Into Darkness" about the Pearl Harbor recovery effort. Written by a Navy diver named Raymer. Interesting book.
Funny, I don't remember reading any articles about Chinese people blowing up bits of America.
Paul, you've heard it said, when you're digging a hole, stop digging. It appears you've pretty much dug as deep as you can go. Just be thankful that those who survived and the rest of America went on to defeat tyranny and preserved our way of life. May GOD bless them all. Many of us have served since and many continue to serve and I pray for those deployed and am thankful for each one. We all knew what was meant in that post and this isn't the time or place to make remembrance of those who died at Pearl a political or convert event. Be thankful they stood in the path of harm and kept us free.
The men who died at Pearl did nothing signifcant to keep us free. They died before war was declared, remember?
You didn't know what he meant. You just think that you knew what he meant, because you are conditioned by the "group-think" brainwash into believing that the choice to refer to 9/11, erroneously, as "nine-one-one" is inoffensive shorthand for a date. It is not shorthand, it is conflation. It is done deliberately, on outlets like FAUX "NEWS", to confuse the reality, of when it actually happened. So they can then blame it on CLINTON.
Paul has done "nothing significant" to further the discussion...hahaha...interesting
what do the numbers after your name mean?...posts with making any sense?...not a personal attack , just wondering...haha
Paul just can't help being his nasty self. He keeps coming back with excuses for his sick posts... He's like a bad disease that won't go away.
Pearl Harbor casualties: RIP. May God be with you always!
Everyone: Hey, this is horrible Pearl Harbor must suck alot and we pray for the dead. It is like 9/11 for their generation or vice versa.
Paul- NOnono, americanization ignamorus forty one i the grave for all republican democracy, democrats georgebush not american to say that, u must subtract and say THE DATE. if u don't u are not american and i'll bash u with my imaginary dick.and u cannot say that, they must be american american. i'm here to turn this comment section into a political rampage blah blah blah i am here to make simple sympathy complicated and political in any way, blah blah blah foreignisation......blah.
Paul, as a U.S. Navy veteran who retired out of Pearl Harbor after 20 years of honorable service to his counrty, I used to pass the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial every day on my way to work. I have been to the memorial! Never at any time did I ask myself, "Gee, was this the Republican's or the Democrat's fault?" Or, "Hey, was there a deep, dark conspiracy here?" No! I instead, I just thanked those heroes for their service and sacrifice to this nation.
Paul please, this is not the time , place, or forum for politics today. Today, 7 December, 1941 is above that, Just as was 11 September is, It is a day when we should all just be Americans and remembering. Please continue to state your political views and opinions that the veterans of that generation served and sacrificed so much to give you the right to. Just not here, not now.
Paul-977599............you are a complete and total idiot!
Paul-977599, write your own article. Pretty much all your comments were off-topic.
You're suspended for a week for violating #4 and #1 of the Code of Honor.
A lot of y'all did a good job not violating #1 in response, but some of you should ignore and report next time instead of posting stuff like this:
Esperanza Covicik, EdwardWI, Tony D-373561, radical-daddy, you're suspended for a day for violating #1 of the Code of Honor.
Tyler, when you see the posts of an individual like Paul too many numbers, why don't you man up and delete him? You know he is a troll. You know he will generste polite, and notpolite responses. Your bans mean nothing. In 5 minutes or less, Paul can be someone else and back posting. You need to ban everything from his IP. address.
Actually Paul, war was declared. The Japanese declared war as the attack was taking place, so our men did die in battle defending the Nation. How sad it must be to live free, post anything you like and deny those who died just so you can say they weren't defending this Nation. You better thank your lucky stars that they stood up and were counted, else you, me, and everyone else in this Nation would be speaking German or Japanese and living under someone's boots. One more thing, yes we knew that Japan was going to attack, but no one knew for sure where it would take place. As it turned out it was Pearl and the Philippines.
oldman young eyes: I don't know msnbc's exact policy, but most sites just rely on a banned poster not caring enough to make another account.
"We can't/don't want to ban IPs because that could affect innocent people" (which it easily can).
Just use the BLOCK option, it's a lifesaver :)
Eugene, I did not say ban IP.'s . I said block the IP. address.Every person, for example, on Comcast has a unique IP. address. This is how they can track emails, data transfers, and everything else you do on the internet.
You can request a new IP.address, but most IP's will deny, unless you have a legitamate reason- ie. Hacking, spam, etc..
OK, I left out the word "address", it's still the same deal. You can't block an address if said address is, say, a university or business, with many users on the same addy. And blocking an address does no good when every Starbucks and McDs has free WiFi. Hell, I can access 2 other internet connections right now from my house.
With all that is wrong with American....these guys are WHAT IS RIGHT with America. Every one of them humble in their duty, every one of them a true hero.
Dale, Amen to that!
Thank you for your service.
This was quite a day 70 years ago, our country stepped to the plate, got down to business and played a large role in World War II. The people who fought the war, gave their lives, worked in the factories and those who prayed for our soldiers made us the greatest country in the world. We owe it all to this generation for making us what we were. Today, were in a country where most people can't imagine what life was like then. Complaining seems to be the thing this country is most obsessed with, from Washington to the isles of Walmart, we should all be ashamed.
Thank you, WWII veterans, and those on the home front who made so many sacrifices in the name of freedom.
You set the bar, and it has not been reached since.
You didn't complain, you did what had to be done.
Thank you.
Their parents were the greatest generation, because they taught them to love their country and die for it if necessary to preserve freedom. And the testimony to the bar being set is correct, because the returning veterans didn't raise their children with the moral strength and fortitude in which they were raised. everyone was weary of war but you can't stop fighting enemies of freedom when they arise.
Makes me sad that the greatest generation is slowly passing into only existing in history books.
I come from a military family.
Every December 7th was remembered by us and others with respect, humility and dignity.
We were also reminded on July 4th each year the significance of that date.
My father and his comrades were members of this greatest generation.
It saddens and disturbs me that so many posters on the Vine have no grasp of what this day really means to us as Americans...and to many others throughout the world.
I come from a military family.
Every December 7th was remembered by us and others with respect, humility and dignity.
We were also reminded on July 4th each year the significance of that date.
My father and his comrades were members of this greatest generation.
It saddens and disturbs me that so many posters on the Vine have no grasp of what this day really means to us as Americans...and to many others throughout the world.
Sorry for the repeat above. My tired computer...or maybe it was me...didn't mean to post this twice.
Probably not you. Seems to be a problem on this site recently.
AG99, Thanks for the reply. Sometimes this device makes me feel a bit stoooopid. Nice to know it might not be me.
Ruken: you and many others refer to the WWII generation as the greatest generation. Without denying that they did do a great job, I prefer to believe that EVERY generation of Americans is as great as the challenges and opportunities facing it. If faced with dictatorships intent on taking over 90% of the civilized world by military force, US citizens of today would likewise meet that threat.
We have learned our lessons. We no longer allow military might to take over other countries. Whether it is Slobadan Milosovich (sp.), Saddam Hussein, Khadafy in Libya, or any others, the US and other countries act before the evil spreads as it did with Nazi Germany, Mussolini's Italy, or Imperial Japan. The US does not control the world and has not stopped all of the atrocities from taking place (Africa, S.E. Asia for example.)
Any failures have not been on the part of the American people, rather they have been on the part of politicians, whether it is deciding to not become fully engaged (Vietnam,) entering an area without clear objectives (Afghanistan,) or entering into war under false pretenses (Iraq II.) When our political leadership decides to enter into a war with clearly stated objectives, our military and the entire country meets those objectives (Iraq I a/k/a Kuwait/Desert Storm; Czekoslovakia; Grenada.)
The other lesson our country took from World War II is to NEVER be surprised again. That is the failure that culimited in the attacks that happened on September 11, 2001. The method of attacking the US changed, our military failed to recognize that and the result was the death of Americans.
The current generation has responded to those attacks. The military is 100% voluntary. How much greater can you get ?
Wrong. Gen. Meyers was aware that the 9/11 False Flag Attack was going to go down on that date months ahead of time. 50 people at the CIA were aware that the "al-qaeda hijackers" were in our country eight months prior to 9/11, and none of them told anyone at the FBI to start looking for them until 9/04/2001. INSIDE JOB!
A salute to all who have served - and especially those who lost their lives that we could fight another day. So many have no idea of serving in the military and just how much it means to a veteran. I served at a different time (Viet Nam) and love my country.
WWII vets rock! Thanks guys & gals.
God bless America.
Thank you for your service and may your sacrifice to America never be forgotten.
This date in 1941 is the reason I will not buy and can't understand why any American would buy a Japanese auto. My family lost two members of our family that day and I refuse to buy anything they produce.
nobody should fault you either.
The Japanese were well within their rights to attack the USA which had been acting for quite some time to restrict Japan's ability to develop. Everything from oil and iron embargoes, to ringing their sphere of influence with colonies and military bases. The Japanese lost, but that doesn't mean they were wrong.
So if you want to lay blame where it belongs then lay it with western powers. Because they're the ones who created the policies that lead to the events that occurred. It wasn't like the bad Nips just attacked the USA out of the blue with no just provocation. Or whatever other jingoist propaganda you've been brought up to believe.
I'm glad we won, but I'm under no illusion that we were the good guys. We were just the better guys.
The reason why is that three generations have passed since then, and almost nobody directly involved in the attack will ever profit from our purchase of modern Japanese products. Are your dead relatives going to appreciate your punishment of the grandchildren of the Pearl Harbor Attackers?
Holding grudges until the end of time would be a very difficult, inefficient, and in the end, totally meaningless task. Good luck with it.
Japan's desire to "develop" was at the expense of everyone around them. They raped and pillaged Korea, China, and all their neighbors. Japan's development was not peaceful, and was based upon the murder, enslavement, and exploitation of millions. This is why the US blocked oil shipments to Japan. It is also why the US helped Britain as Nazi Germany swarmed through Western Europe.
Paul Frederick: So sanctions are bad then? We should have just gone along happily selling them everything they wanted to make a buck? After the Rape of Nanking, I find that an appauling point of view.
By your logic, we shouldn't have embargoes against North Korea or Iran today (or Libya while the Colonel was still in power).
The Japanese struck because they felt we were vulnerable and it would buy them time to win in the rest of the Pacific!
Esperanza:
Congratulations and thanks for a truly intelligent and refreshing comment. Such is sometimes hard to find on this venue!
To Paul Frederick: You need to go back and study your history. Those of us that are old enough to remember know what was going on. My family, also, will not purchase Japanese automobiles. Do you not remember what the Japanese government said after World War II ... that they would eventually defeat us.
Carolyn: Do you also have a personal boycott of products from Germany (WWII) and Britain ( Revolution and War of 1812)? Why not?
Paul--So America gave rise to Japanese militarism??
Kamudi - I can't speak for her, but I won't buy anything from a Communist nation unless there's no choice (which is difficult, given China). Your German example is a good one, and I do know Jewish people today of all ages that will not purchase German goods.
Your British example is a little trite though: they've been on our side pretty much since the end of the American Civil War, and especially since the Boxer Rebellion & WW1.
Paul Frederick, ever hear of Nanking, Corregidor, The Bataan Death March, Buchenwald, Dachau, and Auschwitz? I think I can safely say without doubt that we were the "good guys"! If you are not familiar with some of those places I suggest you do a little research. You might find enlightenment.
Ever hear of Nagasaki and Hiroshima? We were the world's first and ONLY NUCLEAR TERRORISTS! And we dropped the A-bombs on innocent women and their children. We had other options; there were many military targets for those nukes, and the Royal Emperor and his family would have been a good place to start.
How many hundreds of thousands of Japanese civilians did we incinerate, when we dropped incendiary bombs on their wooden/paper cities? We had driven them back to their Island nation. Where were they going to go from there? If they chose to starve rather than surrender while we waited them out, then their suicide is on them. what was our rush? We could have used the Nukes, put them to better use, in Europe if necessary.
Paul , What do you think they learned from that?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i4x7G_AOL8k&feature=related
I agree these are real american heros
G-d bless. RIP.
Thank all WW2 veterans for their service. But sadly.... :((((..... it was not the war to end all wars.
Why do we keep fighting one another? And please don't tell me so we can be free.
Because not everyone subscribes to reason.
Including yourself!
I'm happy that ww2 is over, now lets get our boys back from the middle east.
The greatest generation - the rest of us should hang our heads in shame.
Sorry but I don't subscribe to your negative approach. There are heroes and patriots in every generation. That doesn't make any one generation better or worse. The contributions being made by today's generations are as great, perhaps in different ways, but just as great. If you don't beleive that, you really don't udneratnd what t is to be an American.
proudly served-US Air Force, 1968-1972
Steven B. said it all.
God Bless our hero's. I promise I will never forget you.
And I'm sure sailors and marines feel that same respect for community organizers.
Bob - idiotic post and totally inappropriate for this site. You should be ashamed.
To all the survivors - my hat's off to you. You are true heroes.
The memorial in Pearl Harbor is wonderful and horrible at the same time. It brought out feelings of both national pride and sadness in me. I was moved to tears when I read through the names of the deceased, including those that have been interred since their more recent passings. It's literally a tomb for thousands of men. For those that have not visited it, I would encourage you to do so.
Didn't know until he died my uncle was a vet of Pearl Harbor. Astonishing humility. Thanks, guys, for teaching us.
And yet we have congressmen and senators in office now that are turning their backs to all these servicemen and war veterans that served this great country and some paid with their blood and lives for their freedoms and our freedoms and these politicians refuse to provide any help for these veterans. These politicians insist on calling themselves Americans yet they will spit in the faces of our war veterans and all servicemen.
My grandpa was there at Pearl Harbor, he inspired me to serve 4 years myself in the Navy - something I'm always proud we both shared. He never talked much about his experience (understandably) but was very proud when I served in the Navy. These men are absolutely hero's and they are a vanishing bunch (my grandfather passed away 2 years ago). We must do whatever we can to honor their memory.
My Father fought in the 8th air force in WWII. 32 missions. They will always be known as the greatest generation. They rocked. We have not won a war on anything since then. I salute you.
We haven't declared war since WWII.
Love people like Paul no value to the boards other than seeing his own name. Rails against the government then sides with them that the Korean WAR and the Vietnam WAR were not real wars. But then again my Grandfathers fought so you get be the biggest idiot you can be and people point and laugh where you would be put away in other countries. Thanks Paul without people like you to laugh at the boards would be a so less colorful.
Someone shooting live rounds at you. You returning lives rounds back at them. I consider that to be war and the hell with the politicians view. They wouldn't have a clue even if they shot at them.
I agree with Third Wheel Man, those of you who are complaining should vist Pearl Harbor, it is a reality check to see what our fathers lived through. Maybe then you will stop complaining and step up to the plate and try to change things.