Day of infamy redefined
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By Mike Gordon
Advertiser Staff Writer
For decades, survivors of the attack on Pearl Harbor solemnly marked each Dec. 7 by invoking its infamous place in history.
But as they prepare for the 60th anniversary of the 1941 attack, the aging veterans must contend with a new definition of infamy, one written by terrorists on Sept. 11.
Organizers of the national convention of survivors and of anniversary events at the USS Arizona Memorial say they are not planning any outward comparisons to recent events, yet they know that many who attend will make an emotional connection that spans the decades.
Even without formal words or wreaths, it may be inescapable.
"I think it will be a more somber occasion," said Ed Chappell, national president of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association. "I think survivors will relate 9-11 to Dec. 7 because of the nature of the sneak, cowardly attack in both of them."
Only a few survivors so far have canceled reservations, although the Australian Band has pulled out since Sept. 11.
More veterans register each day, and the numbers have long since surpassed those of last year's convention, when about 300 people traveled to Kentucky.
With a month left to register, the association has signed up 1,661 people for the Dec. 3-9 national convention. About one-third of them are survivors of the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, including 19 former crew members of the battleship USS Arizona. The rest are family members.
"One guy says it is the last hurrah. He is bringing his whole family, 27 people," said survivor Ray Emory, state chairman of the association.
Although President George W. Bush has linked both dates in recent speeches, he has not yet accepted an invitation by the National Park Service to attend this year's ceremonies.
The 50th anniversary was a grand commemoration that drew thousands of World War II veterans to Hawai'i, including former President George Bush.
Emory is concerned about the success of the convention. At September's monthly meeting of Pearl Harbor survivors, he told the group that the terrorist attacks had cast a shadow over the anniversary ceremonies.
Chief Ranger Dan Hand said no "drastic changes" will be made to either program to link both attacks, although he feels that people will unconsciously make the connection.
"I do not see a conscious effort for us to now make our effort match this more recent tragedy and then, in fact, overshadow what happened here," Hand said. "The event itself, the 60th, is to honor as many of the survivors who can make it back."
Reach Mike Gordon at mgordon@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8012.
