60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PEARL HARBOR ATTACK
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Ceremony unites Tributes marking the Dec. 7, 1941, Japanese attacks on Pearl Harbor took on a special resonance yesterday, with heroes of September's terrorist attacks paying their respects to warriors of an earlier generation and, in turn, being showered with respect and admiration.
generations
Victims of the attack and of
terrorism are paid solemn tributeTIME OF TRIBUTE
By Christine Donnelly
cdonnelly@starbulletin.comThe nation so honors the sacrifices of the World War II generation "because we so value what they sought to preserve," including the freedom, democracy and security that is the "birthright of every American," Gen. Richard B. Myers, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told those gathered at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.
"Freedom is costly ... mortgaged with the bloodshed of patriots," Myers said. The current generation will also bear that cost when called, "and today, we are called and we are ready, and some have already paid the ultimate cost."
The death toll of the Dec. 7 attacks was 2,390, nearly all military. About 3,500 died in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, mainly civilians. Nine Americans have died so far fighting the Taliban regime in Afghanistan.
Praising the courage and valor of the Pearl Harbor survivors present, as well as those who did not survive, Myers said this generation would "earn anew" all that previous generations died to preserve.
The service attracted more than 3,000 people, including hundreds of Pearl Harbor survivors, their families and about 300 New York rescue workers and survivors of those killed on Sept. 11.
The New York group walked in together and received rousing applause from the crowd, as did the Pearl Harbor survivors every time a speaker mentioned their valor and sacrifice.
Joseph Pfeifer, a battalion chief for the New York Fire Department who lost his brother Kevin, a fellow firefighter, and many other comrades on Sept. 11, told the crowd that "like 60 years ago, the enemy did not count on America uniting." But today's generation is just as united and will prove that "America stands for freedom for all."
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The ceremony included the laying of numerous wreaths, including one presented by the New York rescue workers and their survivors, a rifle salute and a booming artillery salute, the mournful wail of taps and a rare flyby of a B-52 aircraft. There was also singing of patriotic tunes such as "God Bless America" and a hula to "The Battle Hymn of the Republic," with three dancers dressed in red, white and blue muumuus, respectively.Afterward, attendees mingled, seeking autographs from Pearl Harbor survivors and from New York rescue workers. Many shared remembrances of those who died, whether three months ago or 60 years ago.
"I just find myself thinking about the men who were 19 years old and expired. If I was one of them, I would not have been married and have my five children and six grandchildren. It's a very emotional and sentimental experience to look back and remember all the good things I've had in my life and then have the sorrow and emotion of knowing they had none of that," said William J. Rey, 79, state chairman of the Arizona chapter of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association, who was aboard the USS Pennsylvania on Dec. 7, 1941.
The Covington family of Georgia came to honor their late husband, father and grandfather, Alvin W. Covington Sr., who was on the destroyer the USS Helm when it was attacked on Dec. 7, 1941. In 1996 he fulfilled a long-held dream to return to honor his lost comrades, visiting Pearl Harbor the year before he died at age 76.
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"He would have wanted to be here, so we're here to say we honor you, we love you, and we remember all of those who died," said his widow, Dorothy, who was accompanied to Hawaii by her daughter, son, daughter-in-law and two grandchildren.Beth Pate of Chicago accompanied her father, James D. Pate, 77, of Jacksonville, Fla., who made the trip "to honor the people who were lost. I had the privilege of living."
Pate was trapped below deck when the USS West Virginia was attacked, climbed up through a manhole and then escaped the ship by climbing hand over hand via ropes to the USS Tennessee and then to solid ground. "That way, I didn't go into the burning water. I say I'm a survivor, not a hero."
Beth Pate found the memorial service an "awesome experience, in the true sense of the word. I don't think anybody could repay our veterans for what they have done for us, but all citizens have the ability to respect and honor all veterans. I think the disaster in New York has brought our generation closer to the awareness of what American citizenship means to us."
Earlier yesterday, similar tribute ceremonies were held at the USS Arizona Memorial, Hickam Air Force Base and the U.S. Marine Base in Kaneohe. The tone was expected to be lighter last night at a reunion banquet for the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association and informal gatherings of veterans wrapping up their week in Hawaii.
"That's the thing," said USS Tennessee survivor Jack Evans, 77, of San Diego. "Although my heart is heavy at these solemn ceremonies, being at the reunion has been a lot of fun. So, it's been a week of mixed emotions and a lot of memories, a whole lot of memories."
"Freedom is costly ... mortgaged with the bloodshed of patriots." IN THEIR WORDS
Gen. Richard B. Myers
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff"He would have wanted to be here, so we're here to say we honor you, we love you, and we remember all of those who died."
Dorothy Covington
Widow of Alvin W. Covington Sr., who survived the attack on the USS Helm"Although my heart is heavy at these solemn ceremonies, being at the reunion has been a lot of fun. So, it's been a week of mixed emotions and a lot of memories, a whole lot of memories."
Jack Evans
USS Tennessee survivor"I don't think anybody could repay our veterans for what they have done for us, but all citizens have the ability to respect and honor all veterans."
Beth Pate
Chicago woman who accompanied her father, a survivor of the USS West Virginia
TIME OF TRIBUTE
Thousands honor Pearl Harbor and Sept. 11 casualties
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