That is the number of survivors of the attack on Pearl Harbor who are left alive. Sad to think, but thus is the passage of time. There comes a time
The last survivor of the USS Arizona passed away earlier this year. In this story, we have a focus on a survivor from one of the many ships that saw action that day, but are often overshadowed by the more referenced targets on that most famous of all naval anchorages - Battleship Row.
It was the the USS Curtiss, the first purpose built seaplane tender in the US Navy (that is, not another type ship converted to a seaplane tender). A seaplane tender, as can be guessed, was used to support the use of seaplanes that played an important role in the war. Like many things, most probably don't know of it unless WW2, or Pearl Harbor, are your subjects of preference.
Nonetheless, like anything in history, there were more stories from that one event than people. Now is the time to get their tales, since there are so few left to tell them.
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| All things must pass - remains of the USS Arizona |
Some years ago, my 7th graders were privileged to visit the USS HORNET, now a museum ship at Alameda in the Bay Area, on December 7. They heard tributes, and a veterans' band play all the service anthems. They met a Pearl Harbor survivor and saw the ceremony of casting flowers from the fantail to commemorate the fallen. Korean and Vietnam War-era veterans led tours and explained the launch and recovery of planes from the flight deck.
ReplyDeleteAn amusing ending: the history teacher had them write essays on the trip and name three interesting things they learned. One 13-year-old boy was impressed to learn that the men sometimes went weeks without water to shower, adding "and my Mom gets mad at me when I don't shower for a week!"
I always wanted to go there, and I know it has been developed and added onto over the years so it's quite a destination at this point. I would make sure to visit the Utah, however. Often overlooked and forgotten, it is also left as a memorial tomb for the sailors who died there (and in the attack overall). I just doesn't get the press of either the Arizona or even the Oklahoma.
Delete(Tom New Poster): that's mine above.
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