On the anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack, 103-year-old Ira “Ike” Schab returned to the historic site to pay homage to the more than 2,300 servicemen who lost their lives that fateful day. Schab, one of the five survivors in attendance at the ceremony, was just 21 years old when he witnessed the USS Utah capsizing and Japanese planes soaring above the harbor. He recounted the fear and shock they all experienced, unsure of what was to come. Schab, who weighed only 140 pounds at the time, vividly remembers rushing below deck to grab boxes of ammunition, his adrenaline giving him the strength to lift heavy loads.

The ceremony took place on a field across the harbor from the USS Arizona Memorial, where a crowd of a few thousand invited guests and members of the public joined the survivors in a moment of silence at 7:55 a.m., the exact time the attack began. Four F-22 jets flew overhead, symbolizing the fallen, with one jet breaking away in a "missing man formation" as a tribute. The ceremony aimed to honor the sacrifices made during the attack and reflect on the stories shared by those who lived through it.

The dwindling number of Pearl Harbor survivors was apparent at the event, with only five survivors present, including Schab. Lou Conter, the last living crew member of the USS Arizona, was unable to attend due to feeling unwell. The Department of Veterans Affairs does not keep records of the exact number of survivors still alive, but as of October, there were approximately 120,000 World War II veterans alive, with an estimated 131 dying each day.

Schab has become more vocal about his experiences at Pearl Harbor in recent years, sharing his story with his family, student groups, and history enthusiasts. He has returned to Pearl Harbor multiple times to honor those who didn't make it. Harry Chandler, another survivor who attended the ceremony, recalled raising the flag at a mobile hospital in Aiea Heights during the attack. He vividly remembers the USS Arizona exploding and the chaos that ensued, emphasizing the importance of being prepared.

The ceremony also included a keynote address delivered by Marine Corps Captain Daniel Hower, the grand-nephew of Lou Conter. Hower acknowledged the humility of the veterans when thanked for their service, stating that they simply did what they had to do. He praised their sacrifice, determination, heroism, and courage, emphasizing the lasting legacy they have left behind.

Although the number of survivors is dwindling, the significance of Pearl Harbor and the sacrifices made that day remain as important as ever. The opportunity to hear firsthand accounts from those who experienced the attack is fading, with the responsibility now falling on future generations to remember and honor the fallen. As the aging survivors continue to share their stories, their hope is that the lessons of Pearl Harbor will not be forgotten.