Saluting heroes of Pearl Harbor
Where ‘the true faith of the U.S. military was born’
BY JEFFERY SMITH THE LEADER

JASON COX THE LEADER Pictured above, Pearl Harbor survivors Don Bosket, left, and Paul Kretchmer lay a wreath at the flag pole to honor those who died at Pearl Harbor.

BATH — Betty Walrath was 12 years old when she heard the early morning explosions as Japanese fighter planes bombed Pearl Harbor.

The Hammondsport residents lived only blocks from the home of the U.S. Pacific fleet on the infamous day 65 years ago.

“We didn’t realize what was happening,” Walrath said. “We just wanted to know what was going on.”

Walrath lived near the base with her father, who was a Naval officer.

“He was at sea during the attack,” Walrath said. “He didn’t know if we were dead or alive and we didn’t know if he was dead or alive for a week. It was a terrible experience.”

Walrath was one of three Pearl Harbor survivors gathered with guests at the Bath Rod & Gun Club for ceremonies to honor those who lost their lives in the attack on U.S. forces.

The Hammondsport Legion and the Bath and Penn Yan Veterans of Foreign Wars formed a color guard and firing squad to honor the 2,400 people who died during the attack.

“Pearl Harbor is a day of remembrance, especially for those who were there and survived the attack,” said Jerry Hamblin, a Navy chaplain, who was the featured speaker at the 26 annual event. “From that day the true faith of the U.S. military was born.”

Members of a Bath Boy Scout troop raised an American Flag outside the club after which a firing square fired off a salute.

Pearl Harbor survivors Paul Kretchmer and Don Bosket laid a wreath at the flagpole to honor those who died.