Ray Chavez, who at 103 years old is believed to be the oldest living survivor of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor nearly 74 years ago, is scheduled to be honored at a Memorial Day service Monday.
According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, Chavez was serving aboard the minesweeper USS Condor early on the morning of Dec. 7, 1941, when sailors spotted a periscope from a midget submarine that was trying to enter the channel into the harbor. The sub was attacked and blown up by the destroyer USS Ward.
By the time Japanese aircraft began the attack that launched the U.S. into World War II, Chavez was home in Ewa Beach, according to the newspaper, which profiled him in March for using an exercise program to restore his health after a fall. He served on transports during the war.
Chavez is scheduled to attend a 1 p.m. ceremony at the La Vista Memorial Park and Mortuary, 3191 Orange St. in National City. Three other Pearl Harbor survivors are scheduled to speak.
“Pearl Harbor survivors share stories from the heart — Memorial Day is about remembering, and we are honored to welcome these living legends,” said Luisa McCarthy, general manager of La Vista.
She said Cmdr. Judd Krier, commanding officer of the landing ship dock USS Pearl Harbor, and crewmembers of the San Diego-based vessel, are also scheduled to attend.
Many other Memorial Day events are scheduled around San Diego County. Among them:
- At 7:30 a.m., Veterans Museum and Memorial Center in Balboa Park, 2115 Park Blvd.
- At 8:45 a.m., Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive
- At 11 a.m., Glen Abbey Memorial Park & Mortuary, Chapel of Roses, 3838 Bonita Road
- At 2 p.m., Mt. Soledad Veterans Memorial, 6905 La Jolla Scenic Drive S.
Beginning at 8 a.m. and continuing until dusk, the San Diego Veterans for Peace are scheduled to hold a Memory Day vigil on the lawn near the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum on North Harbor Drive. They plan to read the names of the fallen in Afghanistan and Iraq.
— City News Service
