Survivors Recount Pearl Harbor Story

Despite the federal government shutdown and an unrepaired sign, “Arizona Memorial Closed,” tourists still get expert commentary about the World War II memorial at Pearl Harbor.

A handful of survivors of the Dec. 7, 1941, Japanese attack show up every day to recount their stories on a grassy field overlooking the harbor.

“It’s our way of helping to preserve the history of this place,” said Bob Kinzler, president of the Aloha Chapter of the Pearl Harbor Survivors.

The National Park Service closed the memorial Dec. 16, halting ferries out to the sunken battleship Arizona because of the government shutdown. But that hasn’t stopped the tourists.

“On the first day, there were eight tour buses out there in the parking lot, and it’s been like that ever since,” said Everett Hyland.

Hyland tells visitors of the hours he spent dodging bullets while loading an antiaircraft gun aboard the battleship Pennsylvania. He was wounded by shrapnel and burned.