Pearl Harbor Survivors Association

Pearl Harbor Survivors Association was a non-profit organization founded in 1958 by Admiral Chester Nimitz, General Douglas MacArthur, and Fleet Admiral William D. Leahy to support and unite the survivors of the Attack on Pearl Harbor. The association aimed to preserve the history of the United States Pacific Fleet and the Imperial Japanese Navy's surprise attack on December 7, 1941, which led to the United States' entry into World War II. The organization worked closely with the National Park Service, the United States Navy, and the United States Army to commemorate the events of Pearl Harbor and honor the memories of USS Arizona and USS Oklahoma crew members.

● History

The Pearl Harbor Survivors Association was established in 1958, with its first national meeting held in Honolulu, Hawaii, attended by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Admiral Arleigh Burke, and General Omar Bradley. The association's early years focused on reunions and commemorations, including the 20th Anniversary of the Attack on Pearl Harbor in 1961, which was attended by President John F. Kennedy and Prime Minister of Japan, Hayato Ikeda. The organization also worked with the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Disabled American Veterans to support veterans' welfare and advocate for their rights. As the association grew, it collaborated with the National World War II Museum, the United States Naval Academy, and the United States Military Academy to promote historical preservation and education.

● Organization

The Pearl Harbor Survivors Association was led by a national board of directors, which included notable members such as Senator Bob Dole, Senator John McCain, and Representative Joe Barton. The organization was divided into regional chapters, with meetings and events held in various locations, including Washington, D.C., New York City, and Los Angeles. The association worked closely with other veterans' organizations, such as the Marine Corps League, the Navy League of the United States, and the Air Force Association, to coordinate efforts and share resources. The organization also maintained relationships with the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense, and the Library of Congress to access historical records and archives.

● Membership

Membership in the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association was open to all survivors of the Attack on Pearl Harbor, as well as their families and descendants. The organization had a diverse membership, including veterans from the United States Army Air Forces, the United States Marine Corps, and the United States Coast Guard. Notable members included General Curtis LeMay, Admiral Hyman G. Rickover, and Senator Daniel Inouye, who played important roles in shaping the organization's mission and activities. The association also welcomed associate members, including historians, researchers, and enthusiasts, such as Stephen Ambrose, Doris Kearns Goodwin, and Tom Brokaw, who contributed to the organization's educational and preservation efforts.

● Activities

The Pearl Harbor Survivors Association engaged in various activities, including annual reunions, memorial services, and historical preservation projects. The organization worked with the National Park Service to maintain the USS Arizona Memorial and the USS Oklahoma Memorial, and collaborated with the United States Navy to restore historic ships, such as the USS Missouri and the USS Iowa. The association also supported educational initiatives, including the development of curricula and educational materials, in partnership with the National Education Association, the American Historical Association, and the Organization of American Historians. Additionally, the organization participated in commemorative events, such as the 50th Anniversary of the Attack on Pearl Harbor in 1991, which was attended by President George H.W. Bush and Prime Minister of Japan, Toshiki Kaifu.

● Legacy

The Pearl Harbor Survivors Association played a significant role in preserving the history of the Attack on Pearl Harbor and honoring the memories of those who served. The organization's efforts helped to establish Pearl Harbor as a national historic site, and its members worked tirelessly to promote education and awareness about the events leading up to and following the attack. The association's legacy continues to be felt through its contributions to the National World War II Museum, the United States Naval Academy Museum, and the Library of Congress, which house extensive collections of historical records and artifacts related to the Attack on Pearl Harbor. The organization's work also inspired the creation of other veterans' organizations, such as the World War II Veterans Committee and the Korean War Veterans Association.

● Dissolution

The Pearl Harbor Survivors Association was dissolved in 2011, due to the declining number of surviving members and the increasing difficulty of maintaining the organization's activities. The association's final national meeting was held in Honolulu, Hawaii, attended by Senator Daniel Akaka, Representative Colleen Hanabusa, and Admiral Robert F. Willard. The organization's legacy continues to be honored through the work of its successor organizations, including the Pearl Harbor Survivors Project and the National Pearl Harbor Survivors Association Foundation, which aim to preserve the history and memories of the Attack on Pearl Harbor for future generations. The association's archives and records are now housed at the National Archives and Records Administration, the Library of Congress, and the United States Naval Academy Museum, ensuring that the history of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association and its members will be remembered and studied for years to come. Category:Veterans' organizations