DEC. 7: Years later, vigil remains

Once again it is Pearl Harbor Day, a time to remember that fateful day when so many innocent lives were lost as the result of a surprise enemy attack. Since 1958, when the Pearl Harbor Association was formed, the survivors have maintained a constant vigil for their fallen comrades to assure the nation would not forget their sacrifices. The message has always been, "Lest we Forget, Remember Pearl Harbor, Keep America Alert."

Now time has taken its toll on the membership, and the number of members able to fill the various offices of the organization has dwindled. On Dec. 31, 2011, the organization will close down. The local chapters throughout the country are encouraged to continue their social activities and to continue to remind the nation we should never let ourselves be caught unprepared as we were that day, Dec. 7, 1941.

Many of us never thought we would still be alive at the ending of a long association to see it dissolve and fade away. Let us hope the memories of that day will not fade and that history will continue to acquaint us with the reality that the world is never really safe as long as man occupies this planet Earth. In the hearts of some evil will always exist.

As a Pearl Harbor Survivor I want to thank all who over the years have helped us remember that day, which changed the lives of so many of us. Please" Remember Pearl Harbor" for from the ashes of that day your lifestyle today was born.

WALTER FRED HAMELRATH

CDR U.S. Navy Retired

Pearl Harbor Survivor