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Pearl Harbor Events Short on Survivors

Few remain to mark 67th anniversary of attack

By Laurel Jorgensen, Newser Staff

Posted Dec 7, 2008 5:21 PM CST

(Newser) – Death and illness have trimmed the ranks of Pearl Harbor survivors appearing at ceremonies today, the Boston Globe reports. Only one survivor was expected at a ceremony in Boston, and organizers nationwide said many groups have seen their last commemoration. Of the 60,000 military members stationed at Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, just 3,000 to 5,000 are still alive, the Honolulu Advertiser reports.

“The ones who won’t be there either can’t make it or they’re dead,” said the veteran attending at Charlestown. “I’m still doing my best.” Fewer than 100 survivors were expected at a national gathering this weekend in Texas, where one veteran said they no longer talk about the attack. "We all know exactly what happened. We'll talk about the people we knew."

In this Dec. 7, 1941 file photo, American ships burn during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. (AP Photo)

Everett Hyland of Honolulu, a Pearl Harbor survivor, talks with Eileen Martinez before participating in a Pearl Harbor Commemoration in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, Sunday, Dec. 7, 2008. (AP Photo/Lucy Pemoni)

Herb Weatherwax, 91, salutes during a Pearl Harbor Commemoration in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, Sunday, Dec. 7, 2008. (AP Photo/Lucy Pemoni)

In this Dec. 7, 1941 file photo, the battleship USS Arizona belches smoke as it topples over into the sea during a Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. (AP Photo)

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Pearl Harbor Events Short on Survivors

Few remain to mark 67th anniversary of attack

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Islamic Extremist Gets Life for Killing 2 US Airmen

Arid Uka shot at servicemen in Frankfurt last year

Marine Corps Snipers Posed With Nazi Logo

Scout sharpshooters stood with flag whose logo resembles that of SS

US Military Looking for Foothold in Philippines

But doesn't intend to reopen bases

Pentagon Opens More Jobs to Women

Females will still not be able to serve as infantry, however: sources

Pentagon Weighs Syria Options

Arming rebels not being considered 'right now'

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Pearl Harbor Events Short on Survivors

Few remain to mark 67th anniversary of attack

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

US military • World War II • survivors • Pearl Harbor

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Islamic Extremist Gets Life for Killing 2 US Airmen

Arid Uka shot at servicemen in Frankfurt last year

Marine Corps Snipers Posed With Nazi Logo

Scout sharpshooters stood with flag whose logo resembles that of SS

US Military Looking for Foothold in Philippines

But doesn't intend to reopen bases

Pentagon Opens More Jobs to Women

Females will still not be able to serve as infantry, however: sources

Pentagon Weighs Syria Options

Arming rebels not being considered 'right now'

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

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More News

What is Newser?