Pearl Harbor anniversary to draw 2,200
| • | Special report: Remembering Pearl Harbor: Prelude to War |
By William Cole
Advertiser Military Writer
Sixty years later, they still refuse to be intimidated.
Second Lt. Phil Rasmussen was one of seven pilots at Wheeler Army Airfield able to get aloft and go after attacking Japanese forces in the frenzy and surprise of Dec. 7, 1941.
Over the Pali, he practically ran into a formation of four to six Japanese aircraft.
He downed one, had his canopy blown off, and landed his P-36 with more than 500 bullet holes in it.
Despite Sept. 11 and ongoing terrorist concerns, the 81-year-old Florida man is coming to O'ahu for the 60th anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor. And he's bringing 20 family members from around the country with him.
"That's typical of what's happening with survivors that are coming — they are bringing their families," said Arizona Memorial historian Dan Martinez. "Ten years ago (for the 50th anniversary), some came with their families, but many came with (only) their wives. What we're seeing is this is more of a family experience."
Sons and daughters, grandsons and granddaughters are coming this time, all with the realization this Dec. 7 could be the last big hurrah for a dying breed of hero — those who fought back 60 years ago.
Estimates are that 1,100 or more World War II veterans die each day.
"Many sense this will be a last reunion," Martinez said.
A conference uniting Pearl Harbor survivors and scholars will be held Dec. 1-5 offering 26 in-depth discussions of issues such as the near destruction of the Pacific Fleet and the Adm. Husband E. Kimmel and Gen. Walter C. Short controversy.
Other events include a Pearl Harbor 60th Anniversary Gala Banquet with USO Show. At the USS Arizona Memorial Visitor Center, special exhibits, speakers, entertainment and author book signings are planned.
Reunions for the Pearl Harbor Survivor Association and USS Arizona Survivor Association are scheduled Dec. 3-9.
Organizers estimate that 2,200 survivors and their families will be gathering in Honolulu from more than 35 states. About one-quarter are actual survivors.
Included in the number are 21 of the remaining 55 Arizona survivors. The Pearl Harbor Survivor Association has about 2,000 members nationally.
The feeling for many following the Sept. 11 attacks is terrorist threats be damned, organizers say.
"What I'm hearing from the survivors is they are more determined than ever to come," Martinez said. "They just aren't going to be intimidated. I think it's a way of showing their patriotism — the resolve they showed 60 years ago."
Lisa Ontai, a spokeswoman for the events, said despite the terrorist attacks, the associations have seen an increase in the numbers of survivors and family members taking part in the reunion.
During early planning, it was estimated 500 would attend, Ontai said.
Although there were some cancellations, there have been many more reservations to participate, she said.
The Web site, www.pearlharborevents.com, which provides information on the conference and other 60th anniversary events, has received more than 425,000 hits since May.
Martinez estimated there were probably 3,000 Pearl Harbor survivors and another 2,000 family members who came out for the 50th anniversary. More than half the conference speakers and Japanese participants from the earlier reunion have since died, he said.
