Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story Hosts Pearl Harbor Remembrance Ceremony

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- Eight Members of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association, Tidewater Chapter Two and current service members commemorated the 70th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor during a memorial service Dec. 7 at the Pearl Harbor Memorial on Joint Expeditionary Base (JEB) Little Creek-Fort Story.

The Pearl Harbor Survivor's Association, founded in 1958, is an organization dedicated to the remembrance of the attacks on Pearl Harbor and those who gave their lives that day.

Pearl Harbor Survivor's Association, Tidewater Chapter Two President Frank Chebetar said those who had served at Pearl Harbor during the attacks were called on to make a sacrifice for the United States and that he and the other survivors were still answering the call.

"In 1941 during [the attacks on] Pearl Harbor, no one ever got past our line," said Chebetar. "Now, 70 years later we find ourselves on the East Coast, and we are still the first line of defense."

The ceremony included an eight bell ceremony during which each of the attending survivors gave their name and the ship on which they served.

Guest speaker, Army Brig. Gen. Robert M. Dyess, Jr. said the story of Pearl Harbor was one that echoed the story of our nation and should be passed on so all can understand the sacrifices made in the pursuit of freedom.

"Each of us should be honored to live in a country that is so selflessly and so bravely defended," said Dyess. "It is our duty to uphold the memory of Pearl Harbor with reverence and heartfelt gratitude."

That gratitude did not escape 93-year-old survivor Floyd Sparrow who said it meant the world for him to be able to come to a ceremony and sit side-by-side with current servicemembers.

"The Navy and the lord have given me everything in my life," said Sparrow. "I'm honored to be here and really appreciate everyone who could come out today."

The ceremony concluded with a 21-gun salute and taps honoring those who lost their lives during the attacks.

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