BY JAMES MARTINEZ
Clarkston News Staff Writer
Don Gerchow and a friend were in the mess hall on the USS Patterson in Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941 when the first wave of Japanese planes attacked.
‘When we came up topside, we saw all the planes flying. He thought they were our planes. I said, ‘John, those things have red circles on them, they aren’t ours,?? recalled Gerchow of Commerce Township.
The service of Gerchow and other World War II and Pearl Harbor veterans was honored Dec. 7 when the Oakland County Veterans group held a service at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in recognition of Pearl Harbor Day.
The event included keynote speaker Judge Fred Mester, a reading of the names of Michigan Personnel lost on Dec. 7th, a flag-folding ceremony and other tributes to veterans.
Near the beginning of the service, members of the Oakland County Veterans Group walked in a flag-draped casket.
‘It’s a symbolic casket to help us remember all those who gave their lives at Pearl Harbor and in World War II. It’s also for all those that continue to die for our country,? said Oakland County Veterans Group President Jack Bressler.
Three Pearl Harbor survivors were on hand as distinguished guests. Walter Drenkhahn, Jr., William Gerchow and Andrew Hunt all attended the service.
‘It touches me pretty deeply. In fact one (ceremony) I went to a few years ago brought tears to my eyes,? said Gerchow afterwards. ‘They had a nice program. I’ve been there before and it is a well-organized program.?
‘It was one of those things that reminds people what we all went through that day. Some of us got through it and others didn’t,? said Hunt of Waterford.
When asked, Drenkhahn chose to address the audience reflecting on his Pearl Harbor experience.
‘Something told me to get up and say something,? said Drenkhahn.
‘I figured all those people showed up, the least I should do was get up and say something.?
Bressler was pleased with the turnout, estimating about 200 people attended.
‘It increases every year. The first year we had just a sprinkling,? said Bressler. ‘We’re seeing a lot more younger people by getting the Pontiac Jr. ROTC involved.?
Veterans from other wars were also on hand honoring those who served before them.
‘I just attend and view it because I know some of the World War II veterans? It’s important to let the public not forget the sacrifices made for freedom. If no one did, it would be forgotten,? said Korean War veteran Don Kengerski of Ortonville, who worried about the declining numbers felt by all the veterans? groups.
‘These are the survivors of World War II. It’s an important event and it’s important for them to see people here and see there’s still support,? said Ray Felice, a U.S. Army veteran from the Vietnam era and a member of Chief Pontiac Post 377 in Independence Township.
‘This is one of the few places in the area that pays homage, it’s a special thing? You always wonder in all conflicts, does someone still care. That’s why it’s important to be here,? he added.
While attendance at this event is increasing, the veterans community is facing difficulty as World War II veterans continue to pass away, leaving some question as to who will carry on their legacy and handle veterans? issues.
‘At first there were bigger turnouts, but people tend to forget about Pearl Harbor, and as the world goes by the attendance gets smaller,? said Gerchow.
‘We have to figure out what we can do to draw in the younger veterans. We’re constantly battling to make sure veterans? benefits aren’t cut and we’re struggling to find people to do that,? said American Legion Judge Advocate for the 18th District Carnie Jackson.