Pearl Harbor survivor among those at Wilmington ceremony

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Today marks 75 years since the attack on Pearl Harbor, a devastating day that launched the United States into the most historic war to date.

Wednesday afternoon, the World War II Coalition held a ceremony to honor those who fought for our country.

“December the 7th, 1941 is probably the most profound day in the history of the United States,” Chairman, Wilbur Jones said.

Preserving history, that is why the organization held an event at the Hannah Block USO building and Community Arts Center in Downtown Wilmington.

“The United States was at war for 4 years. It changed the diplomatic, economic, and military globe after the war,” Jones said.

One of the men honored was Pearl Harbor survivor Harold Garrish who says remembering those who lost their lives is what today is all about.

“To remember the fellas that died there. A lot of them were kids, ya know 18, 19 years old. I feel sorry now for the lives that they didn’t enjoy. And I hope that we never get in that situation again,” Garrish said.

A situation at 98 years old, Garrish will never forget.

“Back in 1941 the one memory is when I saw Arizona was ready to blow up. That’s when I ducked, and it did blow up,” Garrish said.

Memories that can only passed down from generation to generation, the main reason Jones puts on ceremonies to honor those who sacrifice their lives for our country.

“History fades and as our WWII veterans are fast leaving us, you saw only one survivor was here today. If somebody doesn’t preserve the history then it will be gone,” Jones said.