December 2025

Building Pathways to Peace

The headlines this December carried a sobering milestone: for the first time in the history of Pearl Harbor commemorations, none of the remaining survivors of the attack could attend in person.

There had been glimmers of hope that one or two of the estimated dozen living survivors might make the journey, surrounded by loved ones and embraced by a grateful nation. But time had its say.

Thanks to livestream technology, funded by supporters like you, those heroic men and women and the countless viewers around the world, were still able to witness a moving ceremony beneath a pristine Hawaiian sky. The weather echoed that infamous Sunday morning 84 years ago, when the attack on Pearl Harbor claimed thousands of American lives and thrust the United States into World War II.

This year’s theme, Building Pathways to Peace, guided a ceremony anchored in reflection and purpose. Pearl Harbor National Memorial Superintendent Tom Leatherman, Rear Admiral Brad Collins, and keynote speaker Major General (Ret.) Suzanne Puanani Vares-Lum delivered powerful messages underscoring the enduring importance of remembrance.

Even though no survivors of December 7, 1941, could attend, The Greatest Generation was still represented with pride and strength. A dozen World War II veterans, five Rosies, and a remarkable 106-year-old Navy nurse, whose extraordinary Pearl Harbor love story graces the cover of our Fall Remembrance Magazine, joined the commemoration.

Thanks to your generosity, Pacific Historic Parks was able to bring several of these heroes to Honolulu, including Alice Darrow and her family, as well as two World War II veterans from Pennsylvania whose stories live on through our oral history collection: Marine pilot Capt. Robert Hartline and Navy veteran Milton “Rip” Ripple.

One of the most stirring moments of the ceremony came when organizers asked Ripple to conduct the traditional Navy pass in review. His response: “It would be an honor.”

On the morning of the main ceremony, Ripple, who was escorted by ROTC cadets, stepped forward with dignity and resolve. Walking beside him was Barbara Spaventa, who previously traveled with Ripple and Hartline on an honor flight to Normandy. When Ripple saluted the sailors of the USS Carl M. Levin, they returned the salute, creating a profoundly moving exchange between generations of service members.

Barbara’s family story is equally powerful. Her grandfather, Walter Holda, was killed in Okinawa and is buried near famed World War II correspondent Ernie Pyle at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. We look forward to sharing more of her story in an upcoming issue of Remembrance and on our social media platforms.

Your Support Made This Possible

Every moment, from the veterans’ travel to the livestreams that connected global audiences, exists because of donors like you.

Your generosity:

• Brought Alice Darrow, Milton Ripple, Robert Hartline, Barbara Spaventa, and other veterans and Rosies to the 84th Commemoration.
• Made the 84th commemorative ceremonies accessible worldwide.
• Helped preserve and honor the legacy of those who served and sacrificed.

We are deeply grateful for your commitment to remembrance and education.

Special thanks also go to Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and the Ala Moana Hotel by Mantra for their partnership and support. 

Looking Ahead: The 85th Anniversary

Planning has already begun for the 85th Commemoration, which will be an extraordinary milestone. Our goal is both ambitious and deeply meaningful: to bring 85 World War II survivors to Hawaii for what may be one of the final major gatherings of its kind.



But we cannot achieve this without your help.

You can help write the next chapter of remembrance.

As the number of living World War II veterans diminishes, the urgency to honor them grows greater. Your gift today ensures that:

• More veterans can make what may be their final journey to Pearl Harbor.
• Their stories are preserved and shared with future generations.
• Commemoration events remain accessible globally through high-quality livestreams and educational programming.

Please consider making a tax-deductible donation today.

Your support directly funds the travel, care, and experiences that honor these heroes.

Every dollar helps keep their memory alive. Every gift becomes part of the legacy we pass forward.

Donate today and help bring 85 survivors to the 85th Commemoration.

Together, we can ensure their stories are never forgotten and always honored.

Pacific Historic Parks is the leading organization supporting significant historical sites in the Pacific for future generations. Through education, interpretive programs, research, preservation, and restoration, we work to perpetuate the memory of events and honor the people involved in these historic Pacific locations.