"Then I knew it was Sumthin' Up!" USS Nevada Welkner Interview from Dec 7 2010

Recorded 11 years ago Dec 8 2010 at Hospital Point Oahu, Hawaii.
Robert passed away on 8/26 2013
Part of The Greatest Generation
LINKS:
Original YT video from 2010: • Pearl Harbor Survivor ...
PBY Interview: • Pearl Harbor Survivor ...

[@paulolson734]

What a treasure to get his interview. My father in law was a B-17 tail gunner in Europe in 1944. 17 missions before a runaway prop forced the plane down in France. He said he thought the plane was going to shake to pieces because the vibration was so bad. The crew survived and was spirited away by the French Resistance. They weren't allowed to serve in Europe again because they had first hand knowledge of the Resistance that could be dangerous should they be captured. He only talked about his service a few times. Didn't elaborate much. After he and my mother in law passed a diary he had kept while in England was found and he mostly wrote about being bored and homesick for his wife (plus the rotten weather) and then the terror and uncertainty of combat. He did talk about throwing chaff out of the airplane when the pilot would call "Rainy day" on the intercom and then stopping it when he called "Dry up". I got his survival map of Europe, beautiful colored nylon fabric about 2' square that was issued to all aircrew for use in evading capture should they be shot down.

[@069FS]

Thank you Juan... We must never forget them...

[@alantoon5708]

That is why they are so deservedly named "The Greatest Generation".

[@_UnclePatriot]

Thanks Juan for the usual great meaningful content! I was raised by my Grandpa who was there on that day. He took me on my first plane ride when I was 3 years old. Never seen him wear a pair of shorts his whole life because of all the shrapnel wounds in his legs. He used to scare me awake when he would have one of his nightmares. I know know what he was going thru first hand after having been in combat myself. RIP Paw Paw.

[@nashguy207]

Juan thanks for sharing. Its because of those men that we have our freedom today. They were The greatest generation of all time!!

[@kimbrgv]

My dad was on the USS Arizona but just went on the island for a leave. He was 13yrs older then my mom. He survived the booming. Came home and drowned 1yr later in Folsom Lake( I was 1yr old). Its Crazy world

[@jesseayers7933]

Sorry to hear the sad news about your father . As kids mom and dad use to take us to Folsom Lake for a day of play .

[@Barry101er]

Thanks, Juan-the right generation at the right time.

[@carlmontney7916]

USS ARIZONA I went to visit her in the early 80's. There is indeed a soul or more accurately a collection of souls there. For those who have never been to the Arizona's memorial at Pearl Harbor this may sound funny but here goes. On the boat to the memorial there was a lot of typical tourist chatter. As we departed the launch and walked towards the memorial, it was like everyone grew somber and silent. No one said to be quiet or to be silent, it just happened. Pretty much to all of us at the same time. It most certainly was a *feeling* of reverence and it was felt by all of us. As I stood and watched the silhouette of the Arizona under the water and saw the tiny bubbles of oil floating to the surface. I had a deep feeling of being reminded by persons unseen. A feeling that said. **We are still here, still on duty, never forget our sacrifice, never allow us to be unprepared again.** It was a VERY somber trip back on the launch so I believe I wasn't the only one that was reminded by the Arizona's crew. #heros #neverforget #greatestgeneration

[@Rick5040]

Amen

[@mrgone658]

I was able to visit the Arizona Memorial about twelve years ago. What struck me the most was when the tour guide said that four sets of brothers went down with that ship. It is a place that demands reverential respect, and she will have it.

[@ArtCooler1]

The quiet reverence on the launch as it approached the Memorial was also my experience as a young sailor in 1984 while our ship was docked in Pearl Harbor. Once in the Memorial, I recall staring at the list of names of the deceased scribed on a wall, noting many of them shared the same Navy rate I wore on my uniform sleeve. I then looked across the harbor and could see my own ship peacefully tied up at its pier. "43 years ago, my name might have gone onto that wall" I remember writing in my journal after the visit was over. Any time any American, military or civilian, happens to be in Oahu, a visit to the Memorial should proceed without question.

[@cheddar2648]

My first glimpse of _ARIZONA_ came in 2009, when the submarine I was serving aboard moored in Pearl Harbor briefly. It was as though the gulf of time between us became as nothing... and the deep sense of loss became very real. You cannot gaze upon the wreckage and not feel it, particularly as sailor on a Navy vessel cruising by. My only wish is that we find the grit to save ourselves, as they did back then. _It is good that war is so horrible lest we grow too fond of it_

[@rodgerhecht3623]

It is a sacred experience. You cant help but to feel it. You can feel their spirits may God Bless them , and us to remember their sacrifice and keep America free from terrorism from without and within.

[@blackdog542]

Thank you for sharing Juan The greatest Generation, Oh how I miss my Gram and Gramps. I'm 56 now, and I still sometimes want to talk to them. So much old fashioned wisdom. Love the channel.

[@tysimpson1035]

Less we forget. Rest in peace

[@2345allthebest]

My stepfather was on the USS Lamson (DD-367) and steamed into Pearl the day after the attack... he lost friends on the Oklahoma, Arizona, and California and loved to talk about what he saw that day in terms of the fires, wreckage, and ongoing rescue efforts, especially on the overturned Oklahoma,. where hundreds were trapped below the waterline and still alive... He passed several years ago at the age of 97... a good man with lots of stories and a full life

[@MrWheeler715]

My dad flew P-47s and P-51s in the China, Burma, India Theater (often called "The Forgotten Theater). He would have talked to you for hours about his experiences. He flew in Korea and Vietnam as well.

[@vibrolax]

My father was a radio operator on C-46's and C-47's in the CBI. I loved hearing his stories as a boy. As his faculties declined in his final years, I had the honor of telling his stories back to him.

[@Fowlgun]

RIP Robert and to the rest of the greatest generation! Just over a year ago I lost a friend of mine. Bill Bauman was a bombardier on a B24 Liberator. At 97 years old, he was the last one to survive, from his crew. RIP Bill it was a privilege for me to listen to your stories.

[@gordonrichardson2972]

My father was a navigator on a B24 Liberator over Southern Europe in 1945. He died several years ago aged 56.

[@Fowlgun]

@@gordonrichardson2972 rest in peace to your father Gordon. Bill flew with the 450th Bomb Group, 721st squadron (The Cottontails) out of Manduria, Italy.

[@bcgrittner8076]

As I watched this video I was sitting in front of the shadow box our USAF son made with my dad’s WWII memorabilia. As I type this, I’m staring at Dad’s dog tags. “USNR 12 42”. Dad served in the Pacific Theater. Navy Seabee. Older brother was born while Dad was serving. Dad, Mom, Brother Dennis are all gone now. Let’s not forget those who served and those who sacrificed here at home. The gun that fired the first shot of WWII, from the USS Ward is on display near our Minnesota State Capitol. It was manned by Minnesota Naval Reservists. Thank you for the presentation, Juan.

[@leanbean8376]

Strange my dad as a WW2 vet, not ever shared his experience 🤔... Thanks for a live history review directly from the horse's mouth! May all their souls continue to R.I.P., & thanks for y'all's services, that made our country a even better place to dwell!

[@davidscott5903]

Maybe he witnessed too much suffering and didn't want to relive it.

[@kimosabbe50]

Part of being "The Greatest Generation" appears to be knowing when to keep their mouths shut. My parents and our neighbors growing up were part of that generation.

[@nav2pilot]

Thanks for posting this Juan! My dad was a survivor of the Oklahoma. Several of his shipmates in turret 4 were below decks for 25 hours and cut out of the keel. My dad was in the water when the Arizona was lost. One of his trapped shipmates (Stephen Young) wrote the book Trapped at Pearl Harbor.

[@jonathanearl2748]

God bless these men of the Greatest Generation. My wife's great uncle; PFC Clarence Patterson USMC, was lost on the USS Arizona on that most infamous of days.

[@martharetallick204]

My mother's best friend had a cousin who was a newly commissioned ensign on the USS Arizona. He didn't survive.

[@kurtkensson2059]

My grandfather was transferred from Pearl Harbor to the West Coast on 11/7/1941. He was a boiler tech, and returned there afterward to help with the salvage effort. It earned him a wartime commission, and he retired as a Lt. (j.g.) years later. I wish I'd asked him more about his career.

[@lizj5740]

Here's part 1 of Drachinifel's 3-part series on the salvage of both Pearl Harbor and the ships that were there on 7 December 1941: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mHOQh2yZeLh2btE. Maybe you'll see your grandfather! My dad was in the Army and spent his war in Australia, New Guineau, and the Phillipines.

[@leonardgordon1748]

Thank you for that timeless interview. It’s important to remember these brave men who saved our world from tyranny. It’s up to us now.

[@jantonkens9820]

Fully agree.see also my comments above about a little book my dad worked on about Dutch merchant navy sailors during WW2. My dad was "at home" during WW2 and as 20 yr old lad had to hide himself for 4 years to avoid being sent to Germany to work for the (then) enemy Germany. But the stories from sailors (and others like soldiers etc) are super interesting and also important to make sure history isn't repeated. And letting populists get in power is creating big risks; whatever type of populist it is.... Let history for once be a warning!!!

[@cheddar2648]

There can be no final victory against Tyranny to secure Liberty. It must be periodically adjudicated. And so let them come. Let us defeat them once more. Whatever the cost.

[@theblackbear211]

Thanks so much Juan... my own Father served through the entire war... when Pearl Harbor was bombed, he had already been sent to Dutch Harbor, Alaska with the Coast Artillery, where he was a Gun Layer.

[@jonathanchalk2507]

Great interview from one of few survivors, his mind was sharp as a tack as he recalled what he was doing. RIP.

[@kenclark9888]

Very powerful and hits home. My father part of that generation, thank the Lord is still with us. And he remembers meeting you Juan. Thanks for another great show it got to me

[@davidscott5903]

That is awesome! Tell him thank you from me, a random stranger on KZbin!

[@rrich8371]

Lest we forget... Thank you Juan, he and service people like him made our country strong and great.

[@greggb1416]

Pure “Gold”..., Mr. Browne.., pure “Gold”... Brought tears to my 58yrs young eyes... Thank you sir.

[@rickmaudlin2160]

Thank you for remembering and honoring. Our flag is at half staff today.

[@jantonkens9820]

My dad co wrote a small (Dutch) book in which many Dutch merchant navy sailors were interviewed about there experiences of WW2 on their ships. Some left port iearly 1940 for a 3 (or 6 etc) months trip but didn't come back till 1946 (and of course many never returned). My dad (rip) suggested to make this book in the 1990s "before everyone is gone". Due to several house moves I don't have a copy anymore but I do know it does exist and you can find copies in -for example- the Dutch national library. I love those 1st hand stories

[@davidscott5903]

Their stories are priceless!

[@j_taylor]

Can you tell us the book title?

[@rhodium69]

It was 80 years ago and I'M amazed of what these veterans did , the great generation is an understatement, these man went beyond bravery . Semper fi brother in all branches of our military who stood up to defend America and the world.We appreciate all you did and for that a world is greatful to you all.God Bless America and her veteran's .

[@jeffreyhill8040]

Juan the Magician. Seems like only a day or two ago that he was running around looking at Christmas lights in New York City. And then London. And now back at the Blancolirio Global Headquarters, showing an old video from Hawaii. Dude gets around!

[@davew5383]

This is very interesting, I enjoyed hearing Robert Welkner's story very much👍 I'm glad to see and hear that he lived a long life after Pearl Harbor and was able to share his story with all of us👍✌

[@MarkPillow]

Got him going - he's a good story teller...

[@nancychace8619]

Thanks for sharing. Important history. Not fade away -

[@bubblebus1]

Watching from the UK, you managed to capture the story from a person who was actually there. You have captured an image of history that helps us understand small details that cannot otherwise be learnt from history books. many thanks for sharing this.

[@davidscott5903]

Their stories are priceless!

[@johnc2438]

Thanks for your comment. While on duty at Submarine Base San Diego, I was always happy to see Royal Navy submarines dock at the base. We saluted two national anthems those mornings. Rule Britannia! -- cheers from a retired U.S. Navy chief petty officer.

[@davidscott5903]

@@johnc2438 CPO!

[@mjones9121]

Thanks for sharing that JB. He sounded like he was still on top of his game.

[@firemedic5100]

I have had the honor of talking to several survivors from Pearl Harbor. Even at their advanced age, one could still see the pride they had in what they had to do that day. Excellent video Juan. Let us never forget.

[@DARANGULAFILM]

Thank you for taking the time and trouble to assemble and put this oral history up.

[@SpeedRacer-pz9jn]

May we never forget the price they paid to have our way of life. God bless them all ! Thanks for the History, Juan.

[@barbaracarter8384]

Thank you Captain for sharing this with us. Much respect for these soldiers who died and still live for our United States of America 🇺🇸. God bless all.

[@robertstowe2003]

Thanks for running this video, Juan. It shows that the 'greatest generation' has a well deserved reputation. It also helps for the younger generations to hear the stories and store the memories.

[@normadesmond9659]

Beautiful tribute Juan to one of the Greatest Generation. May he and all who have passed rest in peace. I am watching the live ceremonies now, always cry. My father was in the ETO, wounded in action March '45 Ludendorff Bridge (Remagen).

[@gittar]

Great interview. I'm happy he lived long enough to pass his story. We can't forget the stories.

[@billsilva7932]

Great interview, Reminds me of my dad telling stories of his exploits in the Aleutian islands during WWII. Example P38's didnt like the cold weather and were grounded.

[@dgax65]

I'm always fascinated by the stories of the men who were there during the attack. How many people can say they were eyewitnesses to such a pivotal event in world history? I was fortunate to have been able to talk to quite a few Pearl Harbor survivors and each story I heard was incredible. It is so important that we not forget the sacrifices made by these men.

[@josephyutenkas4902]

Juan Thanks for this interview. My father's cousin Joe Tiscus was a member of the Vestal's crew... Tied up to the Arizona. I was the engineer for an Interview show many decades later, hosted by a true gentleman named John Birchard on WELI in New Haven. There were 3 other survivors After the show we talked for a while and I asked the question 'what was it like'' he said after a moment of pondering, he said 'whatever missed the Arizona hit the Vestal' Thank you brother for keeping these memories alive.

[@ibthumper2]

Thank you for the post and remembering. My family too, has PH history.

[@jesseayers7933]

A very sad day for Americans. My father served in the Army Aircore , my uncle was on a Destroyer headed to Hawaii just after the booming .

[@Kevin_747]

I have been to the Arizona Memorial many times. Many years of PHNL layovers afforded me the opportunity to rent motorcycles and tour Pearl Harbor. I always learned something about 7DEC41 each time. As time marches on we have very few left that were there at that time. We owe them all our prayers and gratitude.

[@carlmarch603]

For those who haven’t seen it, I strongly recommend watching Tora! Tora! Tora! which gives a fairly accurate historical account of the events leading up to and including the attack from both the US and Japanese perspectives. It’s a great film with an all-star cast, made before CGI took everything over! Thank God our carriers were not in the harbor that day…

[@paulpochan9631]

...or if you're into reading a detailed account, read "At Dawn We Slept"(was used as reference material)...

[@georgegilbert7347]

A good read about the Naval war is The Big E, The Story of the USS Enterprise. I first read it my senior year in HS (1964). Also in that year I got a letter from the CO of the NROTC unit at Vanderbilt suggesting I might be interested in the NROTC program. I was.

[@cheddar2648]

Recommend the book, "Descent Into Darkness," about the Navy divers who had to clean up the mess, get our ships refloated, and the horrible task of "bringing our boys up."

[@patricksullivan7911]

Thanks for putting this up Juan. My uncle was on the Tennessee that day

[@mikeharper8968]

My dad worked as a diver during the recovery of the ships. A school teacher to diver. He said he was in the water so long that coral was growing in his ears.

[@kevinfrerichs8589]

Nothing I enjoy more then listening to those guy talk. we need to remember every word. Thanks for bringing it back.

[@robertlafnear4865]

Our Lord in Heaven Bless Robert Welkner for his service and ALL the others that lost their lives in this battle at Pearl Harbor !

[@danielsexton467]

Thank you for preserving and sharing.

[@snowdogs01]

Juan: I was a newspaper photographer for 39 years and was privileged to make photos during interviews with six Pearl Harbor survivors. One had an NC personalized license plate reading BB39. Most people would have no idea the meaning. BB39 was the Arizona, his ship. It was not that long ago...

[@stephenlarson2920]

Thanks Juan for helping to remember this day. Seems there's a move afoot to diminish these very important dates that are so critical to the backbone of our country. The recent anniversary of JFK's assassination is another example of an event that was all over the news just a few years ago and now it's hard to find mention of it. One of my most endearing memories is having the privilege of serving in the Navy and the thrill of having the Conn and bringing our ship into Pearl....past the Arizona and all that history. Still gives me chills.

[@doncoelho8734]

What a treasure this interview is. Good job Juan

[@gunsaway1]

That was special. Glad you got to record him. God Bless them all.

[@dabuya]

The Greatest Generation. What a privilege to interview such a man!

[@camsmeltzer9388]

Had a family friend who turned 10 on that day and watched it all unfold in front of him and then 10 years later was on a submarine that accidentally sunk at its moorings at Pearl Harbor!

[@jantonkens9820]

Hope you have some more recordings of that trip.would love to see them

[@katalynasexton933]

Interesting, thanks for sharing!

[@anthonygasparini1734]

God Bless all these heroes forever in our hearts and Prayers.

[@kevintadd500]

Thank you for this and for your own call to serve! I've been to the memorial in the harbor and it was a very moving experience.

[@tomfield2292]

Juan, Thank you. Post this every year. We should never forget.

[@amascia8327]

Just a taste of the reality of 80 years ago.Thanks to those who served. Thanks Juan.

[@johnc2438]

Thank you so very, very much for posting this video. I was a young sailor serving with VR-21 in 1968 - 1970 at Naval Air Station Barbers Point just west of Ewa Beach (squadron flew C-118s and was transitioning to C-130 aircraft back then). The air station is now Kalaeloa Airport. Quite a few older chiefs and pilots were World War II veterans, and I saw many of them retire while I was there. Finest people, all of them. Four-star Admiral John S. McCain (a young submarine commander in the war, father of the Senator and son of another four-star admiral, John S. McCain, who was Admiral Halsey's "right arm" as Halsey noted) was CINCPAC at the time, and presided at a couple of change-of-command ceremonies at the air station. While I was stationed there, the movie "Tora! Tora! Tora!" did location filming at and around Pearl Harbor, including the air station, during which some of the old, unused hangars on one side of the station became "sets" and were blown up for the movie. We also saw old Air Force trainer aircraft -- dressed up as Japanese Zeros -- do a lot of flying overhead and an old B-17 (there were several flown in for the film) come in on an unscheduled emergency landing when one wing landing gear would not come down. There was time for all of us to grab our cameras -- same for the the film crews -- and get out onto the flight line and wait for the B-17 to come in and settle gently onto the foamed runway. The landing made it into the movie -- and later the movie "Midway." During filming, a real Japanese anti-submarine squadron dropped in with their Kawasaki license-built P-2 Neptunes to train with our Navy P-3 Orion squadrons stationed at Barbers Point. They were directed to park their half-dozen or so aircraft next to the "Zeros" on the flight line. I'm sure they had an "out of time" moment or two, but they took hundreds of photos posing by the WW II "Zero" imitations. Great people I served with in Hawaii -- and later with the Seabees in Vietnam (where another WW II veteran, Creighton Abrams, Patton's favorite tank battalion commander, was in overall command). The good ole days! 😁

[@georgeescaped6035]

having been to the Arizona memorial a while back i give all my respect to these men and women who serve.. thank you including my grandfather and father..

[@nealrehm6895]

Ten or so years ago I met an Army Air-core veteran up in Fredrick MD. He was one of, I believe five that got airborne to fight the Japanese at Perl Harbor. This happened at the glider section of the airport. He was in his nineties and accepted a glider flight from the club. He came back all smiles and grinning ear to ear! Sorry I can’t remember his name.

[@Mustang00007]

You sir..are so respectful a memory to cherish forever! Both with your family and the late navy man..Wish we had more stories like this. I'm bloody near crying and i'm 68 yrs old.

[@danfarris135]

Thanks for keeping the memory alive. That generation is nearly all gone. Its our turn to carry the torch, but what I fear most is, that as more time passes it slowly fades away. Lets hope that the great sacrifice is never forgotten.

[@JohnRodriguesPhotographer]

What a character. God love him. Thanks for sharing.

[@russell3380]

Everyone used to know when it was Dec. 7th. TV news, radio and newspapers all reminded us, now not a peep. Thanks Juan.

[@jaygray1796]

My dad was a CGM on the USS Nevada…Thanks Juan

[@davidscott5903]

What is a CGM? I'm thinking some type of gunner's mate?

[@lizj5740]

@@davidscott5903 *Chief gunner's mate.

[@davidscott5903]

@@lizj5740 Oh, I thought it would have been GMC.

[@chipwilliams1640]

Thanks for sharing that Juan. Not many of those folks left. Thankful that some of their stories got recorded.

[@missyd0g2]

When we visited the Arizona. It was a clear clam day. We could see the oil rising up to the surface creating a pattern on the surface. My father at 18 was building the B 24’s at Ford Willow Run Michigan plant. Later he flew the hump in India to repair the B 24. I still have his blood chic patch he wore on his jacket. Juan thank you for sharing and Happy Holidays to you, your family and airline crews.

[@leebest1a470]

Priceless interview for the ages.

[@johnbasalto4668]

Thank you, Juan. Awesome that you were able to capture a piece of history.

[@PopsP51]

Thanks for sharing. I wish my Dad was still with us. He had a boat load of stories from his time in the USN during WWII. One of these days I want to put to paper what I remember of them. Thankfully, most of them had photo's to go along with them and I have many many photo's that he brought home. The stories from Vets are priceless bits of history.

[@richardburguillos3118]

Sir, you keep surprising us with these special videos… Thank you and all the men and women that served and worked the harbor that day.

[@lockedin60]

I can understand him better than some of the UK actors I watch on PBS Station. I went to college with a lot of Northern People. Once you have been around them my Southern ears got used to their cadence and brogue. The only one that I had any trouble with was a girl from Vermont. She had an alto voice and live in woods of Vermont. She had a thick brogue. But by the time the semester was over I could understand her quite well. Thanks Juan for this interview. It is always a pleasure to hear veterans "who were there". We never can repay their service to our country.

[@petewilson5094]

Hi again Jaun. In Dec. 1999 I had the Memoranle invatation of participating in a Memorial Flight around New York City. I was PIC flying a C-172 Skyhawk #3 in the procession of some 20+ airplanes led by The N.Y. SKYTYPERS. We departed from Republic Apt.(KFRG), formed up in trail around Jones Beach spire at 1k ft,the Typers ahead at 500ft. We proceeded to KJFK Airport for a low pass along rwy 31R in salute,then on over the Varrazano Bridge, we circled The Starue Of Liberty ,then on up the Hudson River past the U.S.S. Intrepid for Wreath drop. We dispersed after passing the George Washington bridge. For myself from the Island of Bermuda,this was Indeed A Great Honour.

[@argentum530]

Semper Fi PFC Conrad Wann Jr. Thank you for your service going ashore on Peleliu and Okinawa. We will never forget...

[@jlvandat69]

I see so many people who have no idea how much better life is today in America than it was 30,50, 100 years ago. They have this weird perception that America has failed and will often complain, then blame someone or some group for the terrible decline. It just makes me ill. So many good men and women such as Robert did so much to make life better for subsequent generations, and their incredible efforts (and the results of those efforts) are often ignored by the uninformed people I speak of. Just so sad. Thank you Robert, and thank you Juan for posting the video.

[@frankmcdonough3351]

Unfortunately we don't make em' like that anymore. THE GREATEST GENERATION! Thank you.

[@billfraser9731]

Best story you ever did. Thank you for sharing

[@Jules-6022]

Love the sweet interaction b/w Robert & Julianne. Thx for sharing this interview, Juan. My first visit with my family as a military dependent to the USS Arizona Memorial was in early 80s. Each time I've visited Oahu and this sacred place, I get more emotional each time, and especially so after I enlisted in the USAF reserves. My thoughts go out to all whom were lost that day. We'll never forget them. 🇺🇸❤

[@BlankBrain]

Thank you for putting this up. Eighty years ago today. Let it never be forgotten.

[@56Spookdog]

My neighbors dad was on the Nevada.

[@jamesvaughn4794]

Thanks to this man and all the men and women who bravely fought for this country during ww2. And all wars. People now days dont realize just how fortunate we are not to be living under the swastika or the rising sun. This country should straight up support all military men and women with whatever they need. Hero's all of them. Keep It High Juan.👍

[@jeffreyhill8040]

Sad state of affairs. Today is the 80th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor, and yet the only news I see mentioning this on KZbin this morning is what Juan has posted for us.

[@rickrickard2788]

They will be the next to be "Erased", if we don't stop them. They pull down & attempt to destroy, anything & everything that shows the greatness, kindness, & strength that UNITES US. What I call "Weaponized Progressives", because that is who & what they are & do, and are on BOTH SIDES of the Isle, want nothing more than to Divide and Tribalize us. Why? It makes us weaker & gives them more POWER.

[@somethingsomeonesaid6455]

My flag is out today, didn't seem right to not, considering the rain let up. One might see the flag out today and wonder "why today?", the least I can do.

[@somethingsomeonesaid6455]

@@rickrickard2788 It's just bullies with computers. Some might call the internet the revenge of the nerds. Today is about knowing our history, and seeing all that led up to today 80 years ago.

[@richardmassoth8237]

That's just WRONG -- "Fake News!"... There are multiple items just from today that has shown up on KZbin from a variety of channels, including media (and politician's press releases), the USMC (and other US armed forces sites), Battleship New Jersey (and other museum ship web sites), Sig Sauer, and historical media like Smithsonian Aviation History. A big part of the issue with live coverage is the "catastropic rain event" predicted for Oahu, Hawai'i today, December 7, 2021. Maybe you don't watch the same channels that I do, but your "sad state of affairs" is myopic and misguided. Juan's piece is excellent, but there are still more perspectives out there on KZbin with the few 99 year old survivors, from museums, and from historians.

[@jeffreyhill8040]

@@richardmassoth8237 Maybe I put it wrong - I wasn't particularly looking for news of Pearl Harbor and that is why I didn't see it! It is not like I have no interest in Naval History. I am a Navy veteran and was a witness to sailors dying, during the Belknap accident in 1975. I have seen a ship explode and burn with my own eyes. I might have an interest in the subject matter. And, KZbin serves up selections based on your viewing history and they only offered me Juan's channel this morning, and that is mostly because I have been watching him for over six years. And yet, Pearl Harbor wasn't front and center today. So, my complaint is the fact that KZbin makes such a big deal out of how they 'customize' our viewing habits to fit our interests. And yet, they 'customized' my viewing experience today by deciding that Pearl Harbor wasn't an important-enough event for someone like me.

[@Xpyburnt_ndz]

So much is owed by so many, to so few. The greatest generation should have EVERYONE'S thanks and appreciation, Lest we forget!!! Thank you Juan!

[@harlandanderson4586]

Thanks Juan that is a great keep sake for your kids.

[@nathangreer8219]

Wow, what an incredible surprise. This made my day. To think, your daughter will be able to go through life having met a Pearl Harbor survivor! I'm glad you mentioned how effective US anti-aircraft fire was. See Montemayor's excellent KZbin essay on the attack; he shows that once US guns were firing, they were effective. Thanks!

[@badmonkey2222]

My grandfather fought with the 82nd airborne 507th parachute infantry regiment participated in D-day, Battle of the bulge and operation Varsity where he was wounded, these men were a different breed and we should all be thankful for their sacrifice, God bless the USA 🇺🇸.

[@johnc2438]

Yes, indeed. As a very young sailor, I served with senior enlisted and offices, many of whom who had served in World War II. What great men they were. I salute your grandfather.

[@badmonkey2222]

@@johnc2438 sulute to you as well sir, thank you for your service. 🇺🇸

[@juniorwest5706]

Today I do not celebrate my birthday , I celebrate the men and women who gave all , so that I and so many other can live in such a wonderful free Country. God bless the United States of America and the Men and Women who made it so ! 🇺🇸

[@davidscott5903]

Thank you!

[@retiredtraffic12]

My Dad was on the USS Nevada, Aviation Dept for the planes used for their main guns. I still have his Ships cruise book along with the Silver Dollar Coin 🪙 given to each crew members. I wished I’d written down all his stories he told me growing up. Gob rest their souls for defending our country and freedom. I live down the road from you in Lodi. Merry Christmas

[@sdefiel3719]

Thanks Juan. My father-in-law was assigned to the Arizona then. He was on shore at the time of the attack. He later became a captain and commanded several ships before his retirement. S

[@kennethreed8120]

Thank You for this, I had an Uncle (R.I.P.) on the U.S,S. Oklahoma on December 7th, I always wish I knew him.

[@_Boz]

Fair Winds and Following Seas to the Marines and Sailors aboard those ships on 7 Dec. 1941! Semper Fi!

[@ghoffman1171]

Thanks for sharing that moment from a member of USA's "Greatest Generation." We are all truly indebted for their service to Country (and to service members like yourself) for paving the way for a better America.

[@rcnfo1197]

Thanks for this remembrance on the 80th anniversary of Pearl Harbor. My dad was on the USS San Francisco that morning when the first Japanese planes flew over. They were so low he could see the pilot's goggles. His shipmate, Ed Ifkin, was the first to report the attack.