The opening of the new Pearl Harbor Visitor Center is also the final reunion of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association. The group returns to Hawaii every five years. Membership in the group, chartered by Congress, is dwindling as members advance in years. For those who remain, traveling to Hawaii is physically taxing. The group decided to make this reunion the last gathering in Hawaii.

Membership is open to active military who were on duty and survived the Pearl Harbor bombings 69 years ago on December 7, 1941. National and state chapters are run by members who are all in their late 80′s or over 90 years of age. The national Pearl Harbor Survivors Association is considering disbanding due to low membership and workload on remaining members.

The Virginia Pearl Harbor Survivors Association thrives for now. Meet two Virginia Beach members of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association who traveled to Hawaii for this year’s reunion.

Bill Temple, president of the state chapter is returning to Hawaii for the first time since his tour of duty in the 1940′s. At 91 years young, Bill is sharp as a tack and keeps a schedule that would tire someone half his age. He is joined on the trip by his daughter Joan.

Bill Temple

Ernest “Dave” Davenport, state treasurer for the group, is joined by his wife and three sons. A youthful 89 years old, Dave’s personal mission is to make us all aware and alert so we are better prepared for the future.

Ernest “Dave” Davenport

Welcome back to Hawaii and thank you for your service.

Feature Photo Credit: exfordy

About this guest blogger:
April M. Williams is a frequent visitor to Hawaii and a great friend of 808Talk. She is also the author of the book “Social Networking Throughout Your Career”, available in paperback and on the Kindle.

Learn more about April by visiting her at the websites below.
LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/in/aprilmwilliams
Twitter http://twitter.com/AprilMWilliams
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/AprilMWilliams
CyberLife Tutors Blog http://www.cyberlifetutors.com/blog/
Travel Blog http://www.aprilmwilliams.com