Monday, December 7, 2009 marked the 68th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attacks. Survivors of the assault participated in a commemorative wreathlaying ceremony at the Navy Memorial in Washington, DC. The presiding officers of the memorial were (from left to right) Retired Rear Admiral Edward “Ted” K. Walker, Jr. (second from left), Rear Admiral Patrick Lorge, Retired Commander John Budzik, and Mr. John Carl Mindte.
All photos by Jeff Malet / maletphoto.com
The ceremony began at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, December 7 and featured performances by the United States Navy Band.
Photo by Jeff Malet / maletphoto.com
Jeff Malet / maletphoto.com
Jeff Malet / maletphoto.com
Retired Commander Budzik, a survivor of the 1941 attacks, lays a wreath during the ceremony. Budzik joined the Navy in 1939 and retired as a commander with 28 years of service.
Jeff Malet / maletphoto.com
Survivors of the attack preside over the ceremony, including Retired Admiral Edward “Ted” K. Walker Jr. As a nine-year-old son of a naval officer, Walker directly witnessed the Pearl Harbor attacks. He now serves on the Board of the United States Navy Memorial.
Jeff Malet / maletphoto.com
Retired Rear Admiral Walker, Rear Admiral Lorge, and Retired Commander Budzik.
Jeff Malet / maletphoto.com
Retired Commander Budzik.
Jeff Malet / maletphoto.com
The Navy Ceremonial Gaurd.
Jeff Malet / maletphoto.com
The Pearl Harbor Survivors Association, the Naval group that attends the annual commemoration, said that next year’s ceremony may the group’s last “given the age of their members.” From the AP report: “The youngest survivors are now about 85 years old, and their numbers are dwindling. Richard Laubert, 89 years old, said he hopes to return for the 69th anniversary next year.”
Jeff Malet / maletphoto.com
