Pearl Harbor Survivors Gather to Commemorate 82nd Remembrance Day
Pearl Harbor survivors Ira “Ike” Schab, Harry Chandler, Ken Stevens, and Herb Elfring attended the 82nd Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day ceremony in Honolulu, Hawaii. Schab, now 103 years old, vividly recalls the events of that fateful day. He was aboard the USS Dobbin when he witnessed the USS Utah capsizing and Japanese planes in the air. Despite his young age and small stature, Schab found the strength to assist in feeding ammunition to an anti-aircraft gun. The survivors gathered to pay tribute to the more than 2,300 servicemen who lost their lives in the attack.
Declining Numbers of Pearl Harbor Survivors
The number of Pearl Harbor survivors is rapidly declining, with only one crew member of the USS Arizona, 102-year-old Lou Conter, still alive. The ceremony honored the sacrifices made by these brave men and women and served as a reminder of the stories they shared. The National Park Service’s David Kilton expressed the importance of reflecting on these sacrifices as the opportunity to hear firsthand accounts diminishes.
A Moment of Silence and a Missing Man Formation
The ceremony took place on a field across from the USS Arizona Memorial, with a few thousand invited guests and members of the public in attendance. At 7:55 a.m., the exact time the attack began, a moment of silence was observed. Four F-22 jets flew overhead, with one breaking away in a “missing man formation” to honor those who lost their lives. The ceremony served as a poignant reminder of the events that unfolded on that tragic day.
Remembering the USS Arizona and the USS Dobbin
The USS Arizona Memorial stands as a tribute to the sailors and Marines who lost their lives on the battleship. Over 1,100 individuals were killed, with more than 900 entombed inside the ship. Schab, who served on the USS Dobbin, remembers the three sailors from his ship who lost their lives during the attack. The survivors and attendees paid homage to these fallen heroes.
Preserving the Legacy of Pearl Harbor Survivors
As the number of Pearl Harbor survivors dwindles, it becomes increasingly important to preserve their stories and honor their sacrifices. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that approximately 131 World War II veterans pass away each day. Schab, who has been sharing his story with family, students, and history enthusiasts, emphasized the need to remember those who didn’t make it and to be prepared for future challenges.
A Message of Gratitude and Reflection
Despite the passage of time, the memories of Pearl Harbor remain vivid for survivors like Harry Chandler. Chandler, who raised the flag at a mobile hospital in Aiea Heights during the attack, still recalls the sight of the USS Arizona exploding. He believes that better intelligence could have prevented the attack and emphasizes the importance of being prepared. The ceremony concluded with Marine Corps Captain Daniel Hower delivering a keynote address, expressing gratitude for the sacrifices, determination, heroism, and courage demonstrated by the Pearl Harbor survivors.
A Legacy to Remember
Ira “Ike” Schab, now in his 103rd year, reflects on his experiences at Pearl Harbor and the years that followed. Despite his age, Schab remains grateful for the opportunity to return to Pearl Harbor with his family and caregivers. The declining number of survivors serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by these brave individuals and the importance of preserving their legacy for future generations.
