70th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor Attack

In the early morning hours of December 7, 1941, Japanese planes bombed Pearl Harbor Hawaii. Before the day was over, the Unites States lost airplanes, battleship and many lives in this surprise attack.

This week, we remember the 70th anniversary of this World War II milestone with events at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. The brand new visitor center was opened on Pearl Harbor day of 2010 as part of the final reunion of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association. Members of this group are in their 90’s and many find it hard to travel long distances to these gatherings.

We are fortunate to have met several of these heroes and are touched by  their stories.

A visit Ford Island and Pearl Harbor is moving. Sites include the USS Arizona Memorial, USS Oklahoma Memorial, USS Bowfin, USS Missouri and Pacific Aviation Museum. Nearby Punchbowl National Cemetery is nestled in a volcanic crater and narrates the war time timeline through mosaics.

In honor of Pearl Harbor Day, we share stories of service men who were at Pearl Harbor during the bombings and we were fortunate to meet these Pearl Harbor survivors. The personal stories they tell are much more powerful than reading history in books. These gentlemen in their 80s and 90s have plenty of spunk and courage. Read their stories, see picture and watch video of our heroes. Click on the links below to hear their testimonials.

Arizona Memorail in Pearl Harbor Honolulu Hawaii

2 thoughts on “70th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor Attack

  1. Ken Teske

    One of the finest people I know Bill Temple that you talked about Departed on Jan. 25, 2012.

    William G. “Bill” Temple, Jr., 92, went to be with his Lord and Savior on January 25, 2012, surrounded by his family.

    He was born May 12, 1919 in Portsmouth, VA, the son of the late William Grimes Temple and Alice Virginia Hudgins Temple. He resided with his family in Coleman Place in Norfolk and was a graduate of Norview High School Class of 1937.

    In 1939 he joined the Army Air Corps. His first duty station was Wheeler Field in Honolulu, Hawaii. It was there on December 7, 1941 that the attack on Pearl Harbor occurred.

    Among many of his accomplishments was the fact that he was a Pearl Harbor Survivor and was able to participate in the 70th anniversary last month. He was the state chairman of the Pearl Harbor Survivors and Vice president of the Tidewater area chapter. He was retired from Bayside Hospital.

    Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his loving wife, Elizabeth Bunch Temple; son, William G. Temple III; and brother, James Earl Temple.

    He was a faithful long time member of Calvary Temple Church and loved the Lord with all of his heart and soul.

    Left to cherish his memories are his sister, Alice Temple McGee and husband Phil; brother, Richard B. Temple and wife Virginia; sister-in-law, Claudia Temple; and stepson, Gene Royal. He is also survived by many other relatives and close friends.

    There will be a celebration of his life Saturday, 11 a.m., January 28, 2012, at Calvary Temple Church, 5639 Brickell Road, Norfolk, VA with Pastor Chris Amos and Pastor Dave Libengood officiating. Interment will follow in Rosewood Memorial Park. The family will receive friends on Friday, January 27, 2012, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Bayside Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.

    Visitation: Friday, Jan. 27, 2012
    7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
    Service: Saturday, Jan. 28, 2012
    11:00 am

    Reply
    1. April M. Williams Post author

      Thank you Ken for sharing this sad news. It was my honor to meet Pearl Harbor survivor William “Bill” Temple. He was quite a gentleman and insisted on calling me ma’am despite the fact I am half his age. Talking with Bill during his trip to Honolulu for the 69th anniversary, he shared stories of that frightful morning in Pearl Harbor. After the trip, Bill told me the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association (PHSA) voted to disband. Bill amazed me with his thirst for continuous learning and service to others despite his advanced years. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends and others Bill Temple touched.

      Here is Bill Temple’s obituary.

      Reply

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