Pearl Harbor Memorial Ceremony

moose135

This past Wednesday marked the 70th Anniversary of the attacks on Pearl Harbor. The American Airpower Museum on Long Island once again hosted a memorial ceremony. In a tradition began in 1970, a bouquet of roses, one for each year since the attack, are blessed with water taken from near the USS Arizona, and then are dropped near the Statue of Liberty at the precise time of the attack. I'm a volunteer at the museum, and have been attending these ceremonies for the past six years. Beyond photographing the events, I've been honored to talk with some of the survivors of that day, hearing first hand their stories.





Survivors Gerard Barbosa (saluting) and Bernard Berner


Commanding officer of our local Air National Guard wing listens to survivor Michael Montelione talk about his memories of the attack.






Unfortunately, there was an empty seat at the ceremony.

Bill Halleran, 93, was scheduled to attend, as he had many times in the past. Mr. Halleran, and his brother, were serving aboard the USS Phoenix, a light cruiser, on December 7th. His brother also survived, passing away three years ago. Mr. Halleran helped organize the Long Island Chapter of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Organization. Monday night he was hospitalized after suffering a stroke, and sadly passed away Friday, two days after the anniversary. I consider myself fortunate to have spoken with him at past memorials.

Dogdots

Thank you for sharing these. #6

May I ask .. what does the white rose symbolize?

moose135

Thank you Mary! In recent years, they added one white rose to remember those lost on September 11.

Dogdots

moose135 wrote: »

Thank you Mary! In recent years, they added one white rose to remember those lost on September 11.

That was a very nice thing for them to do Thank you for letting me know.

black mamba

Hi John,

This is a very fitting tribute to those who deserve the honor. I've always relished the opportunity to talk with the guys who were there....whether it was Pearl Harbor or wherever. Sadly, those opportunities are fading rapidly.

Tom

moose135

Thank you, Tom. I've often said that as much as I enjoy playing with the aircraft at the museum, the best part of working there is the opportunity to meet many of these veterans, hear their stories first hand, and thank them for their service.

redleash

Wonderful set, Moose! The shots are great; the stories of sacrifice from those survivors are even greater. I am glad you are able to listen. Thanks for sharing.

Lauren

moose135

Thank you, Lauren!