For the past few days, we've seen a number of Pearl Harbor survivors in Waikiki, wearing their hats with logos indicating that they survived the attack 65 years ago today. They are here, from all parts of the nation, to commemorate this somber, landmark anniversary, and to serve as physical reminders of a part of history that we must never forget.

But with many of them well into their 80s and 90s, their numbers are fast declining. That makes it all the more important that their contributions are not forgotten.

Following the attacks of Sept. 11, this nation has been involved in a very different type of war than that fought by these brave soldiers. But it is a war, nonetheless, where lives are just as valued, and sacrifices are no less great. For us, Sept. 11 is a date that will remain ingrained in our hearts and minds, just as Dec. 7 has remained in theirs for more than six decades.

The Pearl Harbor Survivors Project understands this parallel between today's generation and that of these veterans. For three months, those involved in this project have been collecting stories from Pearl Harbor survivors and their families. They hope to bridge the two generations, as well as future generations, by posting these stories online and distributing them on Web sites.

The project is funded by the Pearl Harbor Memorial Fund, a non-profit group that is trying to raise $50 million to build a new Pearl Harbor Memorial Museum.

The stories of these soldiers must be preserved while members of this generation — the greatest generation — are still here to tell them.

But most especially, they must be preserved long after they are gone.