As the morning sun illuminated Pearl Harbor on December 7, 2024, a dedicated group of veterans convened to honor the 83rd anniversary of the attack, reflecting on one of history’s most defining events, as reported by VOA News.
Among them was 104-year-old Ira “Ike” Schab Jr., who received a hero’s welcome complete with a water cannon salute and music from the U.S. Pacific Fleet Band upon his arrival in Honolulu. As one of only 16 remaining survivors of the 1941 attack, Schab’s presence serves as a living bridge to a day that forever changed the course of world history.
Let’s honor the stories of resilience and courage from that fateful day.
A Day of Remembrance
The 83rd-anniversary ceremony drew approximately 1,200 people, including military personnel, families, and veterans, who gathered at the national park overlooking the harbor.
At precisely 7:55 AM, the exact moment the attack began, the crowd observed a poignant moment of silence to honor the 2,400 Americans who lost their lives that fateful day.
Passing the Torch
This year’s commemoration carried special significance with its theme of “forging ahead.” The ceremony blended tradition with modern tributes, featuring participation from Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps units and a poignant keynote address delivered by the granddaughter of a Pearl Harbor survivor, as detailed by U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.
The message was clear: as we commemorate the 83rd anniversary of Pearl Harbor, honoring the sacrifices and resilience of that historic day, we must also look to the future with a renewed commitment to peace and vigilance.
A Year of Notable Losses
The Pearl Harbor survivor community experienced a significant loss in 2024 with the passing of Lou Conter, the last surviving crew member of the USS Arizona, who died on April 1 at the age of 102.
Additionally, the remains of survivor Gilbert Meyer, who passed away in 2023 at age 100, were interred aboard the wreckage of the USS Utah, marking a symbolic return to his shipmates.
Presidential Recognition
President Joe Biden emphasized the continuing relevance of Pearl Harbor’s legacy during a White House event for veterans and their families. “During World War II, we stood at an inflection point,”
Biden noted, drawing parallels to current global challenges. “The decisions we make now in the next four to five years will determine the course of our future for decades to come”.
Living History
For survivors like Schab, now a Navy musician, the memories remain vivid. When asked about his recollections of that day, he simply stated, “Being scared, more than anything else.”
His return to Hawaii for the commemorations was driven by a deep sense of duty to honor his fallen comrades, acknowledging that he is among the “very few” survivors remaining.
Legacy for Future Generations
The USS Arizona Memorial, stretching above the sunken battleship’s hull, stands as a permanent reminder of sacrifice and resilience. Jim Neuman, history and outreach manager for CNRH, emphasized that the memorial’s significance extends beyond commemoration: “Part of honoring that legacy is knowing that they did push ahead within their lives with the trauma and horror of war.
As we move forward, the story of Pearl Harbor continues to resonate with new generations. The granddaughter of an Arizona crew member captured this sentiment perfectly when she described the ship as representing “the celebration of progress and the resilient strength of the human spirit.”
Through their unwavering commitment to sharing their stories, the remaining survivors ensure that this crucial chapter of history will never be forgotten.
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Nancy Maffia
Nancy received a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.
