The 83rd anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attacks was marked with solemn remembrance and heartfelt tributes across the nation, paying homage to the courage and sacrifices of those who served during World War II. Among the tributes was the emotional passing of Bob Fernandez, one of the last surviving veterans who faced the harrowing onslaught on December 7, 1941.
Fernandez, who passed away peacefully at the age of 100 at his nephew Joe Guthrie's home in Lodi, California, had planned to attend the annual commemoration ceremony at Pearl Harbor. Unfortunately, his health had deteriorated too much for him to make the trip. The veteran had previously recounted his harrowing experience aboard the USS Curtiss as the Japanese attacked, his recollections filled with both fear and valor.
“I felt kind of scared because I didn’t know what the hell was going on,” he reflected, highlighting the confusion and terror felt on the day of the attack. Fernandez, then only 17 years old, had been serving as a mess cook, and was suddenly thrust from serving meals to battling for his ship’s survival as alarms blared.
Across the country, events dedicated to honoring the memory of the Pearl Harbor attack took place. Charlie Spano, chairman of the 9/11 Memorial Committee of Lackawanna County, shared the importance of remembering the sacrifice of veterans during the annual Pearl Harbor Remembrance Ceremony at Scranton’s Courthouse Square. “What we did not anticipate was the vast number of people... served in the military at Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941,” he noted, underscoring the rich legacy of service encapsulated on the memorial plaque.
More than 150 names now adorn this plaque, serving as lasting reminders of local heroes from the region. Among the attendees was Maria Szymanski, whose father, John Greco, is honored on the plaque. She expressed how increasingly significant it is to recognize the impact events like Pearl Harbor have on current and future generations. “I think it’s important for future generations to realize the importance of the impact it has on us today,” said Szymanski.
Meanwhile, the Uvalde County observance featured military historian Ricardo Benavides, who relayed stories of the sacrifices made by World War II veterans. He recounted the harrowing tale of James Edwards Moeller, who also survived Pearl Harbor, and Frank Franklin, who endured the brutal Bataan Death March. “The Greatest Generation raised a lot of young soldiers... our country was turned...into a monstrous machine,” Benavides said, highlighting the transformation of American society during the war effort.
The events were not simply historical reflections but served to instill knowledge and awareness among youth. Many children were present, learning about the valor of those who came before them. The Uvalde Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps participated by posting the colors, with Cecilia T. Martinez leading the national anthem, creating a connection between past sacrifices and future leadership.
The resilience and strength of veterans like Fernandez stand as reminders of the costs of war. “We lost a lot of good people, you know. They didn’t do nothing,” Fernandez once remarked. The gravity of his experiences resonates through the memories of all surviving veterans, now reduced to just 16 known survivors who are all at least 100 years old. Their tales, albeit fewer with each passing year, remain significant as icons of courage.
Bob Fernandez, with his love for life, music, and dance, was also known for his kind demeanor, often helping those around him. Joe Guthrie recalled how his uncle’s generous spirit left lasting impressions on those he encountered: “He would rake people’s yards if they couldn’t do it. He was so generous and such a kind person.”
Bob’s story, like countless others, is woven deeply within the fabric of American history and serves as stark reminders of the trials faced during those turbulent times. With the passing of this remarkable veteran, there remains not just loss, but the challenge to honor and share their stories with future generations.
Across the country, as people gather on December 7th to honor their memories, it’s also about ensuring the values these brave individuals represented live on. From local ceremonies to personal tributes, the spirit of Pearl Harbor endures, compelling us to respect and cherish those who fought valiantly for freedom.
