Nation, Mother Lode Remembers Pearl Harbor

This year´s Pearl Harbor Day ceremonies are expected to be subdued, but just as heartfelt as ever, for veterans of the Japanese attack 61 years ago.

About 2,500 survivors returned last year for the 60th anniversary in the aftermath of nine-eleven. But only about 50 are expected for this year´s ceremonies. But veterans say the day still has the same significance for them.

Navy vet Warren Verhoff says December seventh, 1941 is such an important date in American history that it should be remembered by everyone who was ever in the armed services.

More than 2,00 Americans were killed in the surprise attack on the U.S. Navy base. Ceremonies are also planned across the country.

A small group of Pearl Harbor attack survivors from the Mother Lode gathered in Jackson at the city hall to remember.

The dozen or so veterans held a flag lowering ceremony at 7:50 a.m. this morning.

Chuck Barr says December 7th is a day of reflection of that fateful morning in Honolulu more than 60 years ago.

“For a bunch of guys who can´t remember what they ate yesterday, all of this stuff on December 7th is a vivid picture in front of us, usually not a good picture,” Barr said.

Jim Sime was on the USS Honolulu at the time, The memories of more than 61 years ago still make him choke back emotions when he talks about the details of the attack.

“It´s really hard when you seriously talk about it. I don´t know why,it shouldn´t, but you find yourself breaking up. Hell, you know, we´re grown men,” Sime said.

Local Pearl Harbor survivors will recount their stories tomorrow morning on “Mother Lode Views.” The new local public affairs radio program airs Sunday morning at 5:30 a.m. on Star 92.7 FM, 6 a.m. on County 93.5 KKBN FM, and 7:30 a.m. on AM 1450 KVML.