Remembering Pearl Harbor

[Newport 66]

78th anniversary today. God bless the USA!
We could all take a lesson on what coming together as a nation means by recalling the sacrifices of all that have given so much to make this the greatest nation on earth!!

 

[Hyper_pak]

It's a day I don't forget, it was my mothers birthday. My father fought in the Pacific. That was the greatest generation.

 

[1966300sleeper]

The greatest generation!! Many gave up their tomorrow’s for our today! They may be gone ,but shall never be forgotten!!! We salute you!! And thank you!!!

 

[66l78rat]

Back in the 80s my old boss(WWII vet).would tell us to cut off a jap car today,in remembrance of pearl harbor day.I miss those old days of politically incorrectness,like watching Archie Bunker n Fred Sanford rambling on about society n politics.
For those who have served this nation,thank you!

 

[1978 NYB]

I live within 1 mile of Aberdeen Proving Ground and I use to see this old Vet driving a Cadillac with Pearl Harbor Survivor purple license plates. We use to tip our hats as we crossed paths around the Aberdeen area as a show of respect between combat vets. I haven't seen my friend rolling around the streets of Aberdeen in the last year. I assume he's probably resting at Arlington now....

 

[Newport 66]

I live within 1 mile of Aberdeen Proving Ground and I use to see this old Vet driving a Cadillac with Pearl Harbor Survivor purple license plates. We use to tip our hats as we crossed paths around the Aberdeen area as a show of respect between combat vets. I haven't seen my friend rolling around the streets of Aberdeen in the last year. I assume he's probably resting at Arlington now....

View attachment 335394

That gives me goosebumps. Thanks for telling this story. Brings it home. Thinking of my Dad, as I'm sure many here are.

 

[69 300 vert]

End of an era: Last Pearl Harbor veteran to be interred at USS Arizona Memorial

It took only nine minutes for the Arizona to sink after the first bomb hit. Bruner was struck by gunfire while trying to flee the inferno that consumed the ship, the second-to-last man to escape the explosion that killed 1,177, including his best friend; 335 survived.

More than 70% of Bruner’s body was burned. He was hospitalized for weeks.

Now, nearly eight decades after that fateful day, Bruner’s ashes will be delivered to the sea that cradled his fallen comrades, stored in an urn inside the battleship’s wreckage.

Bruner, who died in his sleep Sept. 10 at age 98, will be the 44th and final crew member to be interred at the site, a decision he made nearly 30 years ago. The last three surviving members of the Arizona’s crew have all chosen to be laid to rest with their families.

 

[The Goose]

We just went and saw it this last summer. It was something I’ve wanted to do my whole life but never had the chance. All I can say is it was 100% worth it. We were blessed by getting to go on a day when it was almost empty. It’s not disneyland and too many idiots treat it that way. I’m not saying you should walk around all sad, you should have fun and enjoy it but show a little respect too. God Bless the USA.

 

[The Goose]

USS Missouri and the Aviation museum on Ford Island. Bullet holes are still in the hangar glass. Still hard to believe I had the privilege of getting to be there & see it firsthand.

 

[73Coupe]

The Mighty MO was very cool to tour.

One of the coolest rooms on the ship was the machine shop. Look at the size of that lathe!

 

[70bigblockdodge]

End of an era: Last Pearl Harbor veteran to be interred at USS Arizona Memorial

It took only nine minutes for the Arizona to sink after the first bomb hit. Bruner was struck by gunfire while trying to flee the inferno that consumed the ship, the second-to-last man to escape the explosion that killed 1,177, including his best friend; 335 survived.

More than 70% of Bruner’s body was burned. He was hospitalized for weeks.

Now, nearly eight decades after that fateful day, Bruner’s ashes will be delivered to the sea that cradled his fallen comrades, stored in an urn inside the battleship’s wreckage.

Bruner, who died in his sleep Sept. 10 at age 98, will be the 44th and final crew member to be interred at the site, a decision he made nearly 30 years ago. The last three surviving members of the Arizona’s crew have all chosen to be laid to rest with their families.

And everyone went to his favorite bar to have a toast. Now there is a true sailor!

 

[Dobalovr]

Some memories from the Missouri

 

[65sporty]

I would like to make it there someday.

 

[70bigblockdodge]

I've been to the Arizona memorial in the 80s.
Missouri was a active ship them.

 

[78Brougham]

My Dad joined in the Navy in '46 He was on the USS Cadmus, a repair ship, for a couple months then served on the Wisconsin for a year. Though he joined when he was 18 and was considered a "Ruptured Duck" he served proudly as a WWII era veteran and I'm proud he did.
We went to a reunion together when they put the Wisconsin into moth balls at Nauticus in Norfolk back in '96. Awesome to be there with him and meet sailors the served aboard her until '93. Wow what a run she had.
God Bless America!

 

[Newport 66]

My Dad was in the Air Air Corps (Air Force wasnt established until '47), he served in the Pacific theater on a B-17 and then air /sea rescue in PBY's and converted 17's. His squadron held reunions around the country. They held one of the events in our town and I got to meet some of his fellow vets. The comrodiere and love these guys had for one another was fantastic. They shared some great stories. As they died off and the events got smaller, it was sad to hear my Dad talk about another lost member. Finally the reunions ceased. Sad indeed!

 

[LeBaron1973]

On behalf of America's friends and allies, thank you and your relatives for your service and sacrifice in the Pacific theater helping to turn back the Japanese military advance and restoring freedom throughout the region.

Young folks may be unaware, those who realize the sacrifices made will always be grateful.

 

[Old Mike]

On Dec. 7 1941, my Dad was 20 years old and he was probably working in my Grandfather’s bakery in Chicago. His papers show he enlisted in the Navy in January ‘42, about a month before he turned 21. He was assigned to the USS California BB 44, and he was a Gunners Mate on a quad 40mm mount. The ship saw action in the Mariannas, the Philippines, and Okinawa. Thanks for your service Dad.

 

[78Brougham]

Funny you should mention the 40's, my dad was first loader on those when he was on the Wisconsin. Amongst other duties as I'm sure your dad had also. Most sailors were trained in all kinds of different jobs on board. God Bless him and my dad.

 

[1978 NYB]

The last surviving warship is still floating in the Inner Harbor in Baltimore. USCGC Taney saw action in WWII and Vietnam. There was a very nice remembrance ceremony on her deck in honor of Pearl Harbor Day.

USCGC Taney (WHEC-37) - Wikipedia