Bob Fernandez, now 100 years old, reflects on a moment that changed the course of history when he enlisted in the U.S. Navy as a 17-year-old in August 1941. Just four months later, on December 7, 1941, he found himself amid the chaos of the Pearl Harbor attack, a pivotal event that propelled the U.S. into World War II. In midst of the explosions, Fernandez was tasked with passing ammunition to artillery crews, unaware that he was caught in a declaration of war.
As he recounts his experience, Fernandez describes the confusion and fear he felt, saying, “When those things go off like that, we didn’t know what’s what,” highlighting the uncertainty faced by many young servicemen during those critical moments.
This Saturday, Fernandez, along with fellow surviving veterans who are also over 100 years old, planned to commemorate the 83rd anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack. Although health issues prevented him from attending, a remembrance ceremony will be held at the site, featuring active-duty troops, veterans, and the public, alongside a poignant moment of silence at 7:54 a.m., coinciding with the time of the attack.
The attack resulted in over 2,300 U.S. servicemen fatalities, with nearly half of those being sailors and Marines aboard the USS Arizona, which remains a solemn site, as more than 900 of its crew members are still entombed within the wreckage. The ranks of Pearl Harbor survivors have dwindled, with only 16 individuals remaining, as many have aged and passed on.
Despite being revered as a hero, Fernandez humbly rejects that label, stating, “I’m not a hero. I’m just nothing but an ammunition passer.” His service on the USS Curtiss during the attack was marked by harrowing moments, including the loss of 21 shipmates and witnessing the destruction that ensued.
After the war, Fernandez returned to civilian life, working in a cannery and building a family. He has reminisced about his joyful moments, sharing that he still enjoys music and dancing, embodying the resilience of the human spirit through his ability to find joy amid the memories of sacrifice.
As we remember the sacrifices made at Pearl Harbor and honor those who served, Fernandez’s story serves as a reminder of the bravery and resilience shown by many during one of America’s most challenging times. His journey underscores the importance of commemorating these significant historical events, ensuring that the lessons and memories of the past continue to resonate with future generations.
This year, though he could not make the trip, Fernandez’s spirit and camaraderie with his peers will be felt during the ceremony, reminding us of the enduring legacy of those who lived through such pivotal moments in history.