Each year, the Pearl Harbor remembrance ceremony takes place at the military base’s waterfront, drawing attention to the sacrifices made during the infamous attack on December 7, 1941. However, as of 2023, only 12 survivors remain, all of whom are centenarians. Unfortunately, none will be able to attend this year’s ceremony, which is scheduled for Sunday. This marks a poignant moment in history, as no attendees will possess firsthand memories of that fateful day, which resulted in the loss of over 2,300 troops and propelled the United States into World War II.
The absence of survivors at this year's ceremony is not unexpected but marks a significant evolution in the ongoing trend of dwindling numbers among those who experienced the attack firsthand. Kimberlee Heinrichs, whose 105-year-old father, Ira “Ike” Schab, had to cancel his trip from Oregon due to illness, expressed her heartfelt sorrow: “The idea of not having a survivor there for the first time — I just, I don’t know — it hurt my heart in a way I can’t describe.” Historically, survivors have attended the ceremony every year except in 2020 when it was closed to the public due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The remembrance ceremony begins with a solemn moment of silence at 7:55 a.m., coinciding with the exact time the attack began. Following this, a series of rituals unfold, including fighter jets flying overhead in a “missing man formation” to honor those who lost their lives. Wreaths are presented to commemorate the fallen, with active-duty troops taking over this duty in recent years. Survivors have traditionally risen to salute the active-duty sailors as their ship passes the USS Arizona Memorial, which stands above the sunken hull of the battleship lost during the attack.
In 1991, approximately 2,000 survivors attended the 50th anniversary event, but attendance has significantly declined in recent decades, with only two survivors present last year. This decline is striking when considering that around 87,000 troops were stationed on Oahu that day. Many survivors found joy in reconnecting with fellow veterans during past ceremonies, but the memories of the traumatic events still lingered. In 2023, survivor Harry Chandler recounted his experience as he raised a flag at a mobile hospital when Japanese planes attacked, illustrating the lasting impact of that day on those who lived through it.
The bombing of Pearl Harbor carries diverse meanings for different generations. Historian Emily S. Rosenberg notes in her book, “A Date Which Will Live: Pearl Harbor in American Memory,” that the attack underscores the importance of a well-prepared military and a vigilant foreign policy. Some view it as a reflection of the ineptitude or deceit of the Franklin D. Roosevelt administration, while others focus on the acts of heroism displayed by individual troops. Chandler emphasized the need for better intelligence, stating, “We should have known that was going to happen.”
The legacy of Pearl Harbor survivors is being preserved through various initiatives. Retired National Park Service historian Daniel Martinez has been documenting oral histories since the late 1990s, recognizing the urgency to capture these narratives before they fade. The National Park Service currently holds nearly 800 interviews, with many available to the public in the Pearl Harbor museum. Additionally, the Library of Congress has collected materials from 535 Pearl Harbor survivors, contributing to its Veterans History Project.
Organizations like the Sons and Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors are actively working to keep the memories of these heroes alive by sharing their stories in schools and participating in parades. The California chapter has welcomed six new members this year, including great-grandchildren of survivors. Deidre Kelley, the group’s president, stated, “When they’re all gone, we’re still going to be here. And it’s our intent to keep the memory alive as long as we’re alive.”
As the years pass and the number of survivors dwindles, the importance of remembering and honoring the events of Pearl Harbor remains ever relevant. Through education, documentation, and community engagement, the legacy of those who served will continue to resonate for generations to come.