Pearl Harbor Survivors Association members are prepared to continue the organization, at least "for a little while longer," according to the Associated Press. The news agency recently spoke with Art Herriford, president of the group, who admitted that age makes it difficult to continue the events.
The 88-year old Pearl Harbor survivor is one of 3,000 remaining members that meet every two years to commemorate the Japanese attack on the U.S. military base in Hawaii that single-handedly thrust America into World War II and into a fight against German and Japanese forces.
Now 69 years after the attack, the group which started with 18,000 members is struggling tocontinue organizing its biennial gatherings. "I just can't cut the mustard anymore, you might say. And that's the position of nearly all our people," Herriford said. "It's been a real hassle (organizing the event). This is what I tried to impress on people. It's a big hassle to put on one of these."
Funds have also been dwindling along with membership, but Herriford insists that it's more a matter of age than financial means that is causing the struggle. Still, he admits that ending the organization is not a popular decision. "Some of these old duffers, if you tried to do away with this organization, you'd have them all to fight."
In order to be considered for membership, a member must have been in the service and on Oahu between 7:55 a.m. and 9:45 a.m. on Dec. 7, 1941, the morning of the attack. The organization is 52 years old, having formed in 1958.
Do you know of someone who was alive during this time, or perhaps is/was a member of the organization? What memories, if any, did they share regarding the event? Share your thoughts with us below.
