Forging Ahead: Pearl Harbor Day Ceremony Honors Past, Passes Legacy to Young Service Members

Forging Ahead: Pearl Harbor Day Ceremony Honors Past, Passes Legacy to Young Service Members

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii– On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of Pearl Harbor Day in 2021, approximately 135 World War II veterans participated in the observance of the December 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor. In contrast, fewer than 30 veterans attended the events commemorating December 7 the previous year.

As the number of veterans and survivors of Pearl Harbor diminishes, their enduring legacy is perpetuated by the emerging generation of service members.

This year’s 83rd commemoration of Pearl Harbor Day features a series of observances co-hosted by the National Park Service and the Commander of Navy Region Hawaii (CNRH). These observances will include the interment of a former survivor aboard the USS Utah (AG-16) and the Blackened Canteen ceremony. Young service members actively participate in the commemoration rituals, reinforcing this year’s thematic focus of "Forging Ahead."

Members from the Hawaii Wing Civil Air Patrol and the Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps engaged in the occasion. C/Capt Adam Ettlich of the Hickam Composite Squadron and C/TSgt Lilian Burrell from the Wheeler Composite Squadron presented wreaths alongside U.S. Service Members and National Park Rangers. Additionally, C/SSgt Timmer Axel of the Kauai Composite Squadron rendered a salute during the pass and review of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Carl M Levin (DDG 120) renders passing honors to the USS Arizona Memorial (BB-39) alongside World War II veteran Ira Schab.

Nikkie Stratton, granddaughter of USS Arizona survivor Don Stratton, served as the keynote speaker during the main ceremony on December 7. “It is a privilege to stand before you today as a member of the Stratton family, a family whose story is forever entwined with the legacy of Pearl Harbor and the enduring spirit of the USS Arizona on Dec. 7, 1941,” said Nikki Stratton, who lives in Denver.
 

Cadets conversed with Rear Admiral Steven Barnett, Commander of Navy Region Hawaii, and Capt Ted Carlson, Chief of Staff of Navy Region Hawaii, expressing their gratitude for their attendance at the event and motivating them to pursue their paths as future leaders.  

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C/SSgt Axel Timmer of the Kauai Composite Squadron of the Hawaii Wing Civil Air Patrol, Cadet Maj from the McKinley High School Army JROTC, and Veteran and Pearl Habor Suvior Ira Schab render a salute as the USS Carl M Levin (DDG 120) and USS Hawaii (SSN 776) pass and review the USS Arizona Memorial at the 83rd Annual Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day ceremony at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, Dec. 7, 2024. (Civil Air Patrol Hawaii Wing photo by Capt Janel Fujinaka)

C/Capt Adam Ettlich of the Hickam Composite Squadron of the Hawaii Wing Civil Air Patrol, U.S. Air Force member and National Park Ranger presents the U.S. Air Force Wreath at the "Forging Ahead": 83rd Annual Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Ceremony at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, Dec. 7, 2024. (Civil Air Patrol Hawaii Wing photo by Capt Janel Fujinaka)

C/TSgt Liliana Burrell from the Wheeler Composite Squadron of the Hawaii WIng Civil Air Patrol, U.S. Space Force Member, and National Park Ranger render a saltue at the 83rd Annual Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day ceremony at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, Dec. 7, 2024. (Civil Air Patrol Hawaii Wing photo by Capt Janel Fujinaka)

RADM Steven Barnett, Commander, Navy Region Hawaii, Capt Ted Carlson, Chief of Staff of Navy Region Hawaii, pose with Hawaii Wing Civil Air Patrol cadets and adult members at the 83rd Annual Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day ceremony at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, Dec. 7, 2024. (Civil Air Patrol Hawaii Wing photo by Capt Janel Fujinaka)