Sixty-three years ago America awakened to face the tragedy and shock of attacks on Pearl Harbor on a scale that would be inconceivable to many Americans today had it not been for the events that took place Sept. 11, 2001. The similarity of these two unprovoked attacks on American soil is a tie that binds the current generation of America’s service members to those who were present when hoardes of Japanese planes filled the Hawaiian skies to shatter the peace of a Sunday morning.

That symbolic tie between past and present is alive and well here at NAS Whidbey Island. EODMU-11 maintains that tie with the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association, Cascade Chapter 5. For the past seven years, EOD Sailors have joined the survivors in remembering and paying their respects to those lost on Dec. 7, 1941. Sailors have also accompanied their retired shipmates for events like the Coupeville, Wash. Memorial Day parade, a reception aboard USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52) at the 2004 Seafair in Seattle and in recognizing Pearl Harbor Survivor and retired master chief Glenn Lane when he was awarded the Purple Heart that he was entitled to for the injuries he received aboard USS Arizona (BB 39) 62 years before.

“Partnering with the Pearl Harbor Survivors reflects the Navy’s core values by demonstrating to the community and to these aging heroes that the Navy cares about its veterans and their contributions to our freedom,” said CMDCM(EOD) Rick Bynum. “EODMU-11 is also committed to getting the survivors’ stories out to the youth of today so that Pearl Harbor, World War II, and the sacrifices of these men and women and the entire generation do not become simply a footnote in the history books.”

Survivors along with friends, family and current day sailors gathered at the marina aboard NAS Whidbey Island’s seaplane base to remember the 2,395 people who were killed in Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor. The Ceremony began with the parading of the colors and a speech from EODMU-11 commanding officer, Cmdr. Amos Gallagher.

“Today it is our duty to honor and pay tribute to this great country and to pay tribute to those who fought and died on that perilous day,” said Gallagher.

Following the opening remarks, survivors and guests stepped outside to the pier and after a short prayer survivors Jim Stansell and Ernie Vance released the memorial wreath with it’s red, white and blue flowers into the cold waters of Crescent Harbor. Individual carnations dropped by the other survivors followed the wreath. When the ripples had settled again three Sailors from NAS Whidbey Island’s honor guard fired a 21-gun salute before the guests returned inside.

After the wreath laying ceremony, Rear Adm. Len Hering, commander, Navy Region Northwest, described the events of the morning of Dec 7, 1941 and spoke of the importance of remembering that day.

“Those of us who are younger must take the time to listen to the stories of those left to tell them,” said Hering. “They tell the story of young men and women who found themselves forever changed by the events of a single day. Bound together, forever sharing a memory and fighting back the pain one feels with the loss of shipmates.  Honoring those less fortunate, being called a survivor.”

Once the ceremony was complete, survivors, Sailors and guests gather at EODMU-11 to share cake, stories and history.