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He Wants Pearl Harbor Remembered

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 8, 2007

Photos

TAMPA - Eddie Vallina donned a sailor's cap Friday, made his way to the intersection of Rome and Mohawk avenues and held up a sign for commuters: "Remember Pearl Harbor, Dec. 7, 1941."

"We don't forget George Washington," said Vallina, 82, who smoked a pipe during his demonstration and often flashed the two-fingered victory sign to passing vehicles. "Why should we forget what happened in Pearl Harbor?"

Vallina was 16 and not at the American naval base in Hawaii when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. The attack led the United States to declare war on Japan.

Vallina joined the Merchant Marines a year later and said he feels a kinship with those who perished in the surprise attack that killed more than 2,300 people.

"I'm speaking up for the shipmates I lost in the war," he said.

Vallina said he fears younger generations do not appreciate the sacrifices of their elders.

"World War II probably doesn't mean anything to them," he said. "I guess after a guy like me is gone, people will forget about it."

So on Friday, the 66th anniversary of Pearl Harbor, Vallina did his best to ensure people remember. His said his emotions nearly overwhelmed him.

"What it does is bring up all the memories," Vallina said. "The hurt is still there."

Ray Reyes and Paul Lamison

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