San Diego, CA (NBC) — As the 75th anniversary of Pearl Harbor approaches this week, veterans who survived that attack are making their way to Honolulu, Hawaii for the commemoration.
Among these veterans, the oldest survivor is flying back for the first time since World War II.
104-year-old Ray Chaves arrived at the airport just before his flight to Honolulu with a crowd of helpers waiting for the man who will be honored during a ceremony for the 75th anniversary of the storied attacks.
Ray Chavez said, “I never will forget as long as I live”
San Diego firefighter Mitch Mendler and retired New York firefighter Joe Torillo, who survived the 9/11 attacks, accompanied Chaves as honorary escorts.
A special TSA line opened giving Chaves a special screening.
But not before stranger after stranger stopped to take his picture, shake his hand and tell him thank you for his service.
Chaves remains modest about the attention.
“Well I’m not exactly a hero,” Chaves said, “because there were thousands of other heroes too, but I’m very proud of the honor bestowed on me.”
A link to a key moment in American history. We read about it. He lived it.