2017 Winter Remembrance

Remembrance

A PAC I F I C H I S TO R I C PA R K S P U B L I C AT I O N WINTER 2017



President & CEO Ray L’Heureux

Board of Directors Neil A. Sheehan, Chairman Alan Mattson, Vice-Chairman Clif Purkiser, Secretary Jeff Bell, Treasurer James M. Boersema Noel W. Bragg Giorgio Caldarone Colette J. Higgins Patricia A. Lucas Mark Y. Matsunaga Alby L. Saunders George E. Sullivan James E. VanDerKamp Kwai S. “Sunny” Young

Contents

94-1187 Ka Uka Blvd.

Waipahu, HI 96797 www.pacifichistoricparks.org (808) 954-8726 Toll-free: (888) 485-1941

75th Commemoration: In Memoriam

4

Being There: The Obama-Abe Visit to the USS Arizona Memorial

5

75th Commemoration: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future

6

75th Commemoration: Honoring Pearl Harbor Survivors and WWII Veterans

8

Herbert Weatherwax (1917-2016)

9

Every Kid in a Park (Saipan)

10

Guam Program Wins People’s Choice Award

10

Bringing the Park to the Keiki of Molokai

11

Volunteer Repairs Memorial Flagpole

14

Nagato Flag Donated to Museum

14

President’s Message p. 3 Pearl Harbor Gram p. 12

Directors Emeritus James K. Sylva Geoffrey M. White

Legal Adviser Joachim P. Cox

Prayer for the Dead p. 13 Cover: President Barack Obama and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe present wreaths at the USS Arizona Memorial on Dec. 27. U.S. Navy photo

You Make it Happen p. 15



Editor Elaine Simon esimon@pacifichistoricparks.org

Editorial Advisers Gail Ann Chew Minette Lew-McCabe Edean Saito 

Mission Statement

Pacific Historic Parks supports the National Park Service through research, preservation, restoration, fund development, education and interpretive programs of WWII in the Pacific and other Pacific historic sites.

Remembrance is published four times a year as a benefit to members of Pacific Historic Parks.

2 | REMEMBRANCE WINTER 2017

One drop at a time: In this historic photo, dated July 1941, Walter H. Dillingham donates blood at the newly established Honolulu Blood Plasma Bank, located on the grounds of The Queen’s Hospital. Dillingham, R. A. Allen Watkins and his wife Lucille were Hawaii’s first three donors. Under the guidance of its founder, Dr. Forrest Joy Pinkerton, the blood bank operated on a small scale, processing plasma primarily, until Dec. 7, 1941. For one week after the initial attack on Pearl Harbor, 500 donors a day were processed; men and women waited in line for hours to do their part to contribute to this live-saving mission. Today, 75 years later, the Blood Bank of Hawaii needs approximately 200 donors a day to meet demand.

Photo courtesy of the Honolulu Star-Advertiser

President’s Message Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future —

the poignant theme of the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor resonated so true this past December when more than 10,000 people made the long journey to Hawaii to join us in commemorating the anniversary. Most notable were the 200 or so Pearl Harbor Survivors and World War II veterans from all corners of our great nation who boarded honor flights and came in numbers we had not anticipated. We joined together to honor and pay tribute to the legacy of the Greatest Generation, to recognize and pay our respects to those heroes whose unwavering sacrifice, patriotism, courage and selflessness set the foundation for the freedoms we live under today. This marquee 75th commemorative year of remembrance will be hallmarked as the last reunion of so many of our survivors and veterans.

In this edition of Remembrance, we feature images from some of the signature events that took place during the commemorative week, including memorial services at the USS Arizona Memorial, USS Oklahoma Memorial, and USS Utah Memorial, the Fighting Two Wars luncheon, the launch of the new virtual reality experience at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, and the solemn double interment of USS Arizona Survivors John D. Anderson and Clarendon R. Hetrick. On Dec. 27, President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe met with three of our treasured survivors: Sterling Cale, Al Rodrigues and Everett Hyland. It was a poignant and globally impactful meeting; a meeting that visually alone demonstrated how far we have come and how former adversaries are now the closest of allies.

Our own Uncle Herb Weatherwax attended as many of the events as possible. I was able to speak with him on the evening of Dec. 4. He was 99 years young and had looked forward to this year’s commemoration. A survivor and long-time volunteer at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, he joined his brothers who had passed on before him a few days after the ceremonies ended. His story, the values he instilled in his children and the service he gave to his country were proudly shared over the many years that he greeted, posed for photos and autographed his book for visitors

Immediately after November’s board election, the new PHP board gathered to take a group photo with President & CEO Ray L’Heureux. Pictured here, from left, are Giorgio Caldarone, Alby Saunders, Alan Mattson, Ray L’Heureux, Clif Purkiser, Noel Bragg, Mark Matsunaga, Pat Lucas, Jim Boersema, Colette Higgins, Neil Sheehan (front), Jim VanDerKamp (back), Jeff Bell and George Sullivan. (Not pictured: Sunny Young)

young and old. His family will be celebrating his life this coming June (on what would have been his 100th birthday), and we are honored to share his story (page 9) with you.

During this 75th anniversary year, it is our hope that this edition of Remembrance conveys just how important it is to memorialize not only the commemoration … but how we will convert these experiences into a narrative for future generations to learn what took place here 75 years ago … and why it is important to commemorate that day that will live in infamy.

Ray L’Heureux President & CEO

Ray L’Heureux (far left) and Garth Brooks (second from the right) experience the new Pearl Harbor virtual reality tour, while Trisha Yearwood and Tom Gerrish stand by.

Photo by Lezanne Fourie

The ashes of Pearl Harbor Survivor Jack A. Stoeber (USS Whitney) are scattered at the USS Utah Memorial on Dec. 1. Photo by Gabrielle Joyner

Photo by Tara Molle

Photo by Roy C. Woo

A tribute to Robert Clement Irish, a sailor who died on Dec. 7, 1941, while serving aboard the USS Nevada; photo by Jared Walker

In Memoriam TO THE MEMORY OF THE GALLANT MEN WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES IN ACTION ON DEC. 7, 1941 The USS Halsey renders honors to the USS Arizona Memorial. Photo by Katarzyna Kobiljak

Dartmouth College’s Sing Dynasty performs Amazing Grace. Photo by Katarzyna Kobiljak

Floral tribute Photo by Jose Rodrigues The American flag floats above the guns of the USS Arizona under water. Photo by Brett Seymour

Being There

The Obama-Abe Visit to the USS Arizona Memorial

BY DANIEL A. MARTINEZ, CHIEF HISTORIAN, WORLD WAR II VALOR IN THE PACIFIC NATIONAL MONUMENT

When I first learned from Superintendent

superintendent and I were already aboard the admiral’s barge and now looked on as the President Jacqueline Ashwell that I would be aboard the and Prime Minister came on board. We both admiral’s barge that would take President Obama extended our hands to greet our distinguished and Japanese Prime Minister Abe to the site of guests. Also accompanying the President was his the USS Arizona’s wreckage and its Memorial … sister, Maya Soetoro-Ng, and U.S. Ambassador to naturally I was thrilled. But at the same time, I Japan Caroline Kennedy. understood that I would be a witness to a moment Although there was an air of solemnity, there also in history that would be remembered in both was a feeling of celebration for what was about to nations’ memory and that of the world. occur. As we passed into the open waters of Pearl However, the gesture of peace and reconciliation Harbor, we were flanked by robust security of that was about to unfold had been waiting in the Navy Seals on five high-speed inflatables and Secret diplomatic wings of history for 70 years. The Service. The banter destruction unleashed between the President by both sides in the and his honored guest Pacific War was was cordial and slightly unprecedented in their informal. I sensed that joint past. Both nations they were very much had fought a bitter war, looking forward to this and both have memorial moment. icons that serve as a We landed at the frequent reminder to the Memorial dock within audacity and cruelty of President Obama and Prime Minister Abe of travel aboard 15 minutes. Both that conflict. the admiral’s barge with Daniel Martinez to the USS Jacqueline and I went Seven months prior Arizona Memorial on Dec. 27. Photo by Pete Souza aboard the Memorial to the visit to the USS and got to our Arizona Memorial, preassigned positions.

I looked down at my watch President Obama made his way to Hiroshima to ... it was 12:01 p.m.

Shortly after that, President pay his respects to the dead and offer a wreath Obama and Prime Minister Abe stopped in front of flowers on behalf of the United States and its of us.

As the camera shutters whirred, I reached people. Years of efforts by both sides allowed them for words for that interpretive moment all National the opportunity to deal with the most sensitive Park Service employees dream of … speaking to aspects of a shared history. the President … being there. As I remember it, That set in motion for the Japanese government to I spoke about the Memorial’s design, its history move forward with a planned visit to Pearl Harbor. and meaning. After that, the President’s party The long road to reconciliation was now moving moved to the Shrine Room to present wreaths to toward closure between these two countries. Abe’s the fallen. They would emerge moments later and historic gesture of reconciliation was to be offered go to the well opening and pause for a moment to to the American people. drop flower petals over the Arizona. The President would later say, “The character of nations is tested My assigned duties that day were to brief the in war, but it is defined in peace.”

President and the Prime Minister on the history of the USS Arizona Memorial and the sunken All the dignitaries headed back to the boat. As we battleship that rested below and to provide answers reached the dock and boarded the barge, it struck to any questions they may have. me that this final act of reconciliation was so profound. Being there … I also sensed that it had All parties involved waited at the Navy boathouse moved our countries closer to the theme of Alfred in Aiea. Within a few moments, it seemed, the limousines arrived with heads of state. They made Preis’s design of the USS Arizona Memorial … that of “peace and harmony.”  their greetings with the gathered dignitaries. The

Seaman Rachel Johnson and Pearl Harbor Survivor Peter Nichols at the USS Oklahoma Memorial Ceremony. Photo by Roy C. Woo

Pearl Harbor Survivor Carl Clark at the National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Commemoration. Photo by Tara Molle

Honoring the Past,

BY GAIL ANN CHEW, DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

P

earl Harbor Survivors, World War II veterans, their families and visitors from all over the United States and from around the world gathered to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor from Dec. 1 – 11. It was a time of reflection, remembrance and commitment — a time to honor the sacrifices, courage and selflessness of our Greatest Generation, and a time for children and grandchildren, family and friends to dedicate themselves to carrying on the legacy to always remember.

The island of Oahu hosted more than 10,000 people who participated in 50 wide-ranging events, both public and private, including galas, luncheons, movies, concerts, live performances, educational programs and memorial ceremonies.

The National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Commemoration at Kilo Pier was attended by 5,000 with an additional 3,000 viewing the live stream at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center.

Pacific Historic Parks was honored to participate in the coordination of these events, and throughout this anniversary year and in the years to come, we remain steadfast and invite you to join us in our commitment to Honoring the Past, and Inspiring the Future.  6 | REMEMBRANCE WINTER 2017

Below, top: The oldest living Pearl Harbor Survivor at 104 years of age, Ray Chavez, waves after upon his arrival at Honolulu International Airport.

Photo by Tara Molle. Below, bottom: USS Arizona Survivor Don Stratton, seated with his fellow Pearl Harbor Survivors, smiles at a small child at the National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Commemoration. Photo by Laurie Dexter

Petty Officer 2nd Class Talisha Williams shakes the hand of a Pearl Harbor Survivor upon his arrival in Honolulu. Photo by Nardel Gervacio

Inspiring the Future Above: The Wall of Remembrance, containing photos of U.S. service members who lost their lives during the attack on Pearl Harbor is shown at the Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade. Photo by Robert Sweet. Immediately below, left: USS Arizona Survivor Lou Conter holds a baby following the Double Interment Ceremony, while Don Stratton looks on. Photo by Naomi Blinick. Immediately below, center: A child teaches Pearl Harbor Survivor Lester Lindow how to use modern technology.

Group photo of the World War II veterans who attended the Dec. 5 luncheon, Fighting Two Wars: Japanese American Veterans Tribute, at the Hawaii Convention Center; photo by Terry Takaki

Photo by Robert Sweet. Below: A child wearing a T-shirt featuring a photo of Pearl Harbor Survivor Bill Eckel shakes the hand of a veteran at the National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Commemoration. Photo

by Brett Seymour

World War II veteran Ron Freeman (left) and Pearl Harbor Survivor Paul Hilliard render a salute to Marines. Photo by Katarzyna Kobiljak 104-year-old Pearl Harbor Survivor Ray Chavez rings America’s Freedom Bell while Gov. David Ige claps. Photo by Shaun Griffin

103-year-old Pearl Harbor Survivor Jim Downing; photo by Matthew Casbarro

Photo by Matthew Casbarro

Salute!

Photo by Brett Seymour

Pearl Harbor Survivor James DeWitt; photo by Nick Pugay

Pearl Harbor Survivor Martha Sue Stanley Cvijanovich; photo by Laurie Dexter

Honoring Pearl Harbor Survivors and World War II Veterans

USS Oklahoma Survivors Roy Carter (left) and Raymond Richmond speak with retired Rear Adm. Greg Slavonic. Photo by Brian Wilbur

Bud Anderson signs a poster before boarding an honor flight back to Los Angeles on Dec. 9.

Photo by Tara Molle

President Obama and Prime Minister Abe greet (from left) Sterling Cale, Al Rodrigues and Everett Hyland. Photo by Pete Souza

Service members pose for a picture with USS Arizona Survivors (seated, from left) Don Stratton, Lauren Bruner, Ken Potts and Louis Conter during a farewell banquet hosted by the USS Arizona Reunion Association on Dec. 8. Photo by Gabrielle Joyner

Herb Weatherwax (1917-2016)

BY EDEAN SAITO, SPECIAL PROJECTS MANAGER

With the passing of Herbert

Weatherwax on Dec. 12, we lost a humble and selfless man who was a hero to so many of us. There are people who have a profound impact on the lives they touch. Herb was one such man.

Born on June 3, 1917, Herb grew up on the outskirts of Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii. His first job was with the Civilian Conservation Corps, building roads around Mauna Kea. Drafted into the U.S. Army in June 1941, he was stationed at Schofield Barracks, attached to the 298th Infantry Regiment.

On a weekend pass in Honolulu on Dec. 7, 1941, Herb heard a loud explosion coming from the direction of Pearl Harbor.

Returning to the Army base, he passed by Pearl Harbor and saw the USS Arizona enveloped in flames and the USS Oklahoma on its side. The water was slick with oil, fuel was on fire, and the sky was black with smoke. As a switchboard operator, he was sent to prepare for an attack by land.

After the attack, Herb was sent to England, France, Belgium and finally into Germany. The

272nd Regiment advanced into Germany facing Germany’s Siegfried Line, fighting in the Battle of the Bulge, freeing prisoners in labor camps.

After the war, the Army veteran worked at Kwajalein and Subic Bay in the Philippines before returning home to Hawaii.

Herb joined the National Park Service’s Volunteers-In-Parks program and became one of the USS Arizona Memorial’s longest serving volunteers. He loved to “talk story” with visitors, sharing his personal interpretation of the events surrounding the Pearl Harbor attack. Over the course of many years, he came into contact with more than one million visitors, who were touched by his kindness. “It is up to survivors to perpetuate the history until we are gone,” said Herb. “I am always learning from others and thought that someone might pick up one or two little things from what I have gone through.”

In his autobiography, Counting My Blessings, Herb recalls what it was like to grow up in Hawaii, the trials and tribulations of his youth, his World War II

Top left: 1943; middle: 2013; right: memorial created in December 2016

experience and his eventual transition to business owner, family man, community leader and volunteer. Written in his own words, Herb reveals his humble heart, sense of humor and endearing personality.

Herb attended the National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Commemoration Ceremony at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam on Dec. 7, the 75th anniversary.

Some say that it was his final wish, but according to his family, “His last wish would be working at Pearl Harbor as a volunteer forever.”

Herb was a national treasure, a Pearl Harbor Survivor. But, more importantly, he was a treasure of a man. He was gracious and elegant. He never judged anyone and always had something nice to say. He gave and gave and gave of himself, always had a smile and gave the best hugs. He was a true friend and loved by all.

We have been blessed to have had Uncle Herb in our lives.

We love you, miss you, and you will always have a special place in our hearts. You will never be forgotten.  REMEMBRANCE WINTER 2017 | 9

As part of the Every Kid in a Park initiative, Pacific Historic Parks Education Specialist Jovannalyn Mafnas and National Park Service Lead Ranger Brooke Nevitt are reaching out to all fourth grade teachers and students in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

Photos by Jovannalyn Mafnas

Guam Program Wins People’s Choice Award

BY JACLYN ZAPANTA BALAJADIA, EDUCATION PROGRAM MANAGER GUAM AND SAIPAN

Pacific Historic Parks and the

National Park Service recently won the People’s Choice Award at the first annual UnderWater World Tasi Conservation Expo, held Oct. 1.

PHP Education Coordinator

Photo by Marijana Uchima 10 | REMEMBRANCE WINTER 2017

Kina Lewis designed and put together the entire static presentation, which included an interactive board game, a television that showcased videos at the park, a picture frame for taking selfies (pictured), park posters and photos and small giveaways.

Youth Education VIPs Marijana Uchima, Tasi Petra and Pin Hsuan Chen helped Kina prepare the presentation by cutting out photos and pictures for the display. On the day of the presentation, these young ladies also stood in front of the booth

to interact with the public and teach others about the park’s valuable natural resources. U.S. Dept. of the Interior Volunteer in Service to America member Lisa Aguon and her family also came out and provided support during the expo. NPS Chief of Interpretation Rose Manibusan delivered desk lamps at the last minute because the presentation area was very dark.

UnderWater World will provide a monetary donation to Pacific Historic Parks for earning the most votes from the public. Last year, the winner received $1,000.

Funds received this year will go toward supporting future education programs at the park. 

Photo by Kristina D. C. Hoeppner

BRINGING THE PARK TO THE

Keiki of Molokai

BY MIKIALA PESCAIA, INTERPRETIVE RANGER, KALAUPAPA NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK

Kalaupapa National Historical Park (NHP) lies

on a peninsula at the bottom of sheer cliffs, with the Pacific Ocean bordering three sides, and is situated along the northern coast of Molokai.

It is included in Kalawao County, which has a long-standing restriction against entry for anyone under the age of 16. This creates a hurdle for the park to overcome in order to satisfy the Every Kid in a Park initiative as well as include young students in our centennial celebrations. How could we engage local Molokai keiki (children) in this vivid and powerful story of Kalaupapa if they are not allowed access to this place? Well, you bring the park to the people!

division sent representatives who visited three of the four elementary schools on the island sharing who they are and what they do. Many students were surprised to recognize some of the park staff as relatives and neighbors, since they never get to see them in uniform.

Pulama Lima, a partnering archaeologist with the park from the University of Hawaii, shows students how to examine artifacts at Kilohana Elementary School. Photo by Mikiala Pescaia

They learned about natural and cultural resources and the many ways we care for them. They learned about law enforcement and what it is like to be a park ranger.

They learned about the need for skilled tradesmen like Future firefighters; photo by Mikiala electricians, carpenters and Pescaia heavy equipment operators who help to keep the historic buildings and town in working order. They learned about how fun it is to study history and archaeology, as well as marine science and botany. Some students could not believe that you can get paid to dive in the ocean daily and study the coral reefs, or go hiking in the mountains to install fences and protect the watershed. They were excited to learn that we have a museum and one day, when they are old enough, they can come and visit as a volunteer, work as an intern or even come and be a part of the National Park Service (NPS) staff ! Anything is possible!

In September, Kalaupapa NHP staff packed up their gear – everything from ranger uniforms and archaeology tools, to plant and animal samples and displays. Over three days, they engaged over 240 students in hands-on activities, demonstrations, a hike and a field trip to help bring the Kalaupapa story alive and to introduce students to the many kinds of careers available in their backyard. Each

The Kalaupapa NPS looks forward to making this an annual tradition. As long as the minimum age requirement of 16 years is in place, we will continue to bring the park to the people of Molokai.  This educational outreach opportunity was funded by PHP, which also partially funds Mikiala Pescaia’s position at the park.

REMEMBRANCE WINTER 2017 | 11

John D. Anderson (1917-2015) BM2c - USS Arizona

Clarendon R. Hetrick (1923-2016) S1c - USS Arizona

Photo by Naomi Blinick

On Dec. 7, USS Arizona Survivors John D. Anderson and Clarendon R. Hetrick were solemnly returned to the USS Arizona in a unique double interment ceremony, hosted by the National Park Service and U.S. Navy.

The Navy presented flags to Hetrick’s son Bob and Anderson’s widow Karolyn. In attendance were USS Arizona Survivors Lauren Bruner, Donald Stratton and Lou Conter, out of the five remaining Arizona Survivors.

Photo by Nardel Gervacio Photo by Brett Seymour

Photo by Rishi Sharma

Photo by Rishi Sharma

PRAYER FOR THE DEAD “Eternal rest grant unto them and let perpetual light shine upon them and may they rest in peace.”

Frederick B. Anderson USS Dewey California

Anthony “Tony” Gellepis USS Vega Santa Clara, Calif.

William O. Littlejohn USS St. Louis Sacramento, Calif.

Richard Cunningham USS West Virginia Hewitt, Texas

Raymond Haerry USS Arizona West Warwick, R.I.

Herbert A. Miller USS Detroit Turlock, Calif.

Samuel B. Fryefield USS Detroit Eugene, Ore.

Glenn H. Haley, Sr. Camp Malakole, 251st D Battery Wichita, Kan.

Edward W. Reed USS Whitney Las Vegas, Nev.

Marvin L. Funk USS Dewey San Bernardino, Calif.

Charles Galvin USS Bagley Windsor, Calif.

Francis P. “Fran” Jenkins USS Bagley San Rafael, Calif.

Harold E. Johnson USS Oklahoma Oak Harbor, Wash.

Harold J. Shimer USS Helena Anacortes, Wash.

Mitchell J. “Mike” Sotak USS Maryland Anderson, Calif.

John C. Walton Ford Island Naval Air Station Patterson, N.J.

George A. Richard USS Tennessee Glen Haven, Colo.

Walter P. Samolio 4th Defense Battalion, USMC Rochester, N.Y.

Herbert Weatherwax Schofield, 298th Infantry Regiment Kailua, Hawaii

PEARL HARBOR SURVIVORS ASSOCIATION REPORT OF DEATH Unit or station on December 7th:__________________________________________________________ Name:________________________________________________________________________________ Address:______________________________________________________________________________ Date of death: _________________ Services: ______________ Funeral Home:_____________________ Interment: ____________________________________ Continue sending Remembrance?  Yes  No Next of kin: __________________________________ Relationship:______________________________ Address:______________________________________________________________________________ Remarks:______________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ Form prepared by: _________________________ Relationship:____________________Date:_________ Address:______________________________________________________________________________ Email: ___________________________________________ Phone: _______________________________ PLEASE INCLUDE AN OBITUARY NOTICE, IF POSSIBLE

This form is available online at grams.pacifichistoricparks.org/PDFs/Report-of-Death.pdf Please complete and mail to: Edean Saito, Special Projects Manager Pacific Historic Parks, 94-1187 Ka Uka Blvd., Waipahu, HI 96797 REMEMBRANCE WINTER 2017 | 13

Volunteer Repairs Memorial Flagpole

BY MINETTE LEW-MCCABE, ASSISTANT DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

It started with a phone call he

almost didn’t answer. When John Hamrick did finally pick up, it was the National Park Service asking if he’d be interested in repairing the flagpole at the USS Arizona Memorial in preparation for the 75th Commemoration ceremonies.

John Hamrick scales the flagpole at the USS Arizona Memorial. Photos courtesy of John Hamrick

11 attack. Along the way, he happened to get into repairing flagpoles.

After discussing it with his team, Hamrick decided donating his services was the right thing to do. He set up a GoFundMe page to help cover some the expenses, normally up to $8,500.

Hamrick’s father was in the U.S. Navy during the attack, and Pearl Harbor meant a lot to him.

“It sent a chill down my back, and tears began to flow. I asked ‘How did you find me?’ It was my YouTube video!” he recalls.

Along with his best friend Lee DeLaBarre and Julie Holle from Martin’s Flag Shop, the group replaced the top of the flagpole with a new truck assembly and a 10-inch ball in two hours on Sept. 7.

A retired firefighter from Fort Wayne, Ind., Hamrick would regularly volunteer his services to respond to disasters, such as hurricanes and after the Sept.

When asked how it felt, Hamrick revealed, “About 20 feet up, I took a deep breath. This was the Arizona Memorial, and the honor was bestowed on me.” 

Nagato Flag Donated to Museum

BY REBECCA SCHWAB, VISUAL INFORMATION SPECIALIST, WORLD WAR II VALOR IN THE PACIFIC NATIONAL MONUMENT

A hand-sewn Japanese flag that once flew over

the ship where Adm. Isoroku Yamamoto gave the order to attack Pearl Harbor was donated to World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument on Oct. 13. Dianne Hall presented the flag, which belonged to her father, Robert Hartman.

U.S. Navy seaman Robert Hartman served on the USS Horace A. Bass, one of the ships present when the Japanese battleship Nagato, once Adm. Yamamoto’s flagship, surrendered in the Tokyo Bay area in August 1945. U.S. sailors from nearby ships were allowed to board the Nagato and remove key pieces of memorabilia. Hartman found the Nagato’s flag.

Dianne, who traveled from North Carolina to present the flag to the National Park Service.

“I tried my best to find somebody who would take it and take care of it, and show it where people would enjoy it,” Hall said of the donation. “It means a lot to me. To my father. To honor my father and his crew, and [I] hope that it brings everybody together.” 

Over the years, the wool, red-and-white flag became a familiar item to his family, sometimes even used as a blanket on cold winter nights. Following Hartman’s death in 1999, the flag was passed on to his daughter 14 | REMEMBRANCE WINTER 2017

From left: Dianne Hall, John Hedley and Roger Schiradelly Photo by Rebecca Schwab

You Make it Happen!

Your contributions help us meet our mission to ensure that the legacy of the valiant, courageous men and women who served our country during World War II are never forgotten.

We would like to recognize and thank the following donors for their recent contributions.

IN MEMORY OF

IN HONOR OF Stanley Chlipala, USS Perry (DMS-17) Premier Laboratory Senior Chief Michael D. Durel Michelle Duncan Joe & Dolores Farace Edward & Margaret Blaetz Dr. & Mrs. S. Sol Flores Nona Flores

Robert Preston Benjamin Czarny

Frank A. Aprea Tonianne Aprea Nagin

Rudolph Molina Rob Preston

Thomas W. Robinette Sherry Lopes

Sanford Brown Stephanie Marshall

Durwood “Danny” Phillips, U.S. Navy Phillips Family

Tomb of the Unknown Heidi Lund Rich Van Wyk Katherine Van Wyk Robert Vislocky Joseph Vislocky

Ann Marie Gotti Liz Cleary

John Winkler Kelly Nelson

David H. Marsh Sharon Rising-Moore

Robert J. Zuzanek Susan Patterson

Dewey H. Chew Gail Chew Norman Combs Judy Hastie James J. DeFily James DeFily William “Red” Kerr Eileen & Bruce Aird

Leo Roberts Kathleen McCabe PhM2c Danny Thomas Clinton Cavett Herbert “Uncle Herb” Weatherwax Brian Biddle Matthew & Erin Braginton

   Special thanks to the George and Elizabeth Harrison Trust    Jerry & Karon Ahrenstein Scott Antinoro Wayne Arkwright Katherine Arment Michael Askew, Jr. Frank Austin Aaron & Merelyn Becker Estelle Becker William E. Bible Dr. Clinton Cavett Helene & Aaron Chabin James Clark Combat Artist Collection Stephanie & Jerry Cosgrove Brian Davis Brian Q. Davis William Delaney James Denison David Dix David Drabek Don Duncan Howard S. Edelstein Ms. El Pilaro

Lawrence Enomoto Michael Feldman Christy Fine Foodland Give Aloha Program Wade Ford Cindy Froslie Alexander (“Sandy”) Gaston Yvonne Gersims William E. Grayson Charles Grim Timothy Hahn Malcolm Hart Charles Heite Holden Family Howard Hertz Jacqueline Jackson Michelle Jackson Michael Johnson Richard Johnson Harley Jolley Charlie & Skipper Jones Troy Kaneshiro

Gurpreet Kaur Todd Kedik John & Paula Kendrick Mr. & Mrs. Tim Kennedy Wallace G. Klein Major & Mrs. William Knott III John Korbel David Krigbaum Ray L’Heureux Carol Lancaster Joseph Lavallee Michelle Leister Theresa Leister Ian MacDonald Allan MacKay, Jr. Thomas Markardt Dana Matlin Rick McClellan Deanna McCulloch Michael Mercure Dr. Douglas Miller Dale Montpelier Sue Moser

To donate, call (808) 954-8726 or visit www.pacifichistoricparks.org.

James & Jody Mueller Dave & Sarah Mustow National Park Foundation Dennis Nelson Jeffrey Newton Amy Ogasawara John Patterson Pacific Islands Institute Ronald Phillips Ronald & Patricia Purdy Thelma Richard Alby Saunders Michael Anthony Smith State Farm Robert Sutherland Rita Tessaro Charles Todd Steven Walesh Dennis & Jeanette Wong Anthony Yandoli Scott Yoshiki Frank Ziemba

94-1187 Ka Uka Blvd.

Honolulu, Hawaii 96797

Peace, compassion, reconciliation: World War II pilot Jerry Yellin kisses the forehead of Dr. Hiroya Sugano at the Blackened Canteen Ceremony, held the morning of Dec. 6. Dr. Sugano has been conducting this significant act of reconciliation with the National Park Service at the USS Arizona Memorial for the last 20 years.

Photo by Jose Rodrigues