Wreath Laying at Lone Sailor Held in Remembrance of Pearl Harbor

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Naval District Washington hosted a wreath laying ceremony at the U.S. Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C., Dec. 7, to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Among those in attendance were Pearl Harbor survivors and their family members as well as retired Rear Admiral Edward K. Walker Jr. At the time of the attacks Walker was just nine years old and stationed with his family at Pearl Harbor. At the time Walkers' father was a Lt. Cmdr. as the operations officer of a staff command. Walker said he remembers watching the smoke rise.

"I climbed up on the roof of our house and from there I could see the smoke. I was close enough that I could feel the concussions from the bombs, that went on for about an hour," said Walker. "Then the second wave came in. The planes flew over the mountain behind our house and on into Pearl Harbor."

Walker said he was honored to be a part of the wreath laying and that it was very personal to him.

"I'm very emotionally involved in the wreath laying," Walker said. "I served 38 years in the Navy and my father served 33.

Walker also said that remembering Pearl Harbor is important for several reasons.

"Most important is remembering the sacrifices, dedication and courage of the nearly 2,400 people who lost their lives that day," said Walker. "Pearl Harbor teaches us that we as military people must always be prepared to meet an enemy capability."

Walker invited retirees to come and enjoy the Navy Memorial.

"I want to ask all of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard veterans to please visit your Navy Memorial," said Walker. "You helped build it, you help keep it running. This memorial represents you, your dedication, your sacrifices, and your courage."

Following the wreath laying a panel discussion was held in the Navy Memorial Historical Society with Pearl Harbor survivors sharing their memories of that day.

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