One of the greatest generation.
Radioman Everett Hyland, USS Pennsylvania (BB-38).
(P. Ferguson image, July 2006)
Courage – Honor – Sacrifice
After several days visit to Waikiki to relax and seek an even keel…I have walked…from Natatorium to Fort DeRussy…wandered Honolulu in search of familiar old buildings. Found new and old to photograph. Been amused amongst the waves, drifted with the current, seen new living species, found cognac in the waters whilst removing plastic fragments and glass shards from the water and ocean floor. I become environmentally conscious here [though much admittedly there is more I could do].
Still, after these past days of low pressure there is one episode I must take in which was almost lost due to having been before…but there is no limit to how many times…and I feel the better for it…taking in what I do…Pearl…1941…Pearl 2024.
Highway pillar (from the bus) showing the Arizona Memorial.
(P. Ferguson image, March 2024)
Yes there have been visits before…but Pearl’s 7 December 1941 day is one to take in…here during one day in 2024. And its ok if this time I do not make it to the memorial…one more seat for someone who may not have been before. Having hopped on a bus near Ward Centre, the journey seems longer than I remember. Being on my own there is no one to remind me how far out 7 December 1941 is. As we near the Harbor there are reminders of what is on the horizon.
USS Arizona anchor, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
(P. Ferguson image, March 2024)
Together with visits to the Waikiki Natatorium War Memorial and Hawaii’s Great War Roll of Honor I have, this 2024, engaged the three monuments I forever bow with caring eyes and heart, recognizing with them courage, honor, sacrifice. Equal words these words…they can never be old fashioned – there is strength in their saying – expressions of respect for that the greatest generation…so too followed by today’s others who so too unfurl their acts of valor, strength, thoughts. This day 2024…one day 1941..
USS Missouri and the Arizona Memorial.
(P. Ferguson image, July 2008)
Tags: 7 December 1941, Arizona Memorial, Courage, Everett Hyland, Greatest Generation, Honor, Pearl Harbor, Sacrifice, USS Arizona, USS Missouri, USS Pennsylvania, War Memorials
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About The Author
Paul has worked with the Paradigm Motion Picture Company since 2009 as producer, historian and research specialist. Paul first met Casey and Ian WIlliams of Paradigm in April 2007 at Ieper (Ypres), Belgium when ceremonies were being held for the re-dedication of the Vimy Memorial, France.
Paul's sensitivity to film was developed at an early age seeing his first films at RCAF Zweibrucken, Germany and Sardinia. Paul returned to Canada in 1967 and was captivated by David Lean's "Lawrence of Arabia" and "Bridge on the River Kwai". Over time Paul became increasingly interested in storytelling, content development, character, direction, cinematography, narration and soundtracks.
At the University of Victoria, Paul studied and compared Japanese and Australian film and became interested in Australian film maker Peter Weir and his film "Gallipoli" (1981). Paul was inspired when he learned Weir visited the beaches, ridges and ravines of the peninsula. "Gallipoli", the film, led Paul on many journeys to sites of conflict in England, France, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Malta, Hawaii, Gallipoli, North Macedonia and Salonika.
When Paul first watched documentary filmmaker Ken Burns, "The Civil War", Paul understood how his own experience and insight could be effective and perhaps influential in film-making. Combining his knowledge of Museums and Archives, exhibitions and idea strategies with his film interests was a natural progression.
Paul thinks like a film-maker. His passion for history and storytelling brings to Paradigm an eye (and ear) to the keen and sensitive interests of; content development, the understanding of successful and relational use of collections, imagery and voice. Like Paul's favorite actor, Peter O'Toole, Paul believes in the adage “To deepen not broaden.”
While on this path Paul always remembers his grandmother whose father did not return from the Great War and how his loss shaped her life and how her experience continues to guide him.
Pearl Harbor Survivor Radioman Everett Hyland passed away 23 July 2019.
Star Advertiser (Honolulu) extracts. William Cole (Author)
On Dec. 7, 1941, Hyland was a crew member of the battleship USS Pennsylvania, the flagship of the Pacific Fleet, and immediately reported to his battle station when the attack began.
“We took one hit. The one that hit our ship just happened to be where we were,” Hyland recalled. The 18-year-old was so badly wounded by the aerial bomb that his own friends did not recognize him, the park service said. Flash burns covered his body. He had an ankle wound, a chipped bone in his right leg, his right hand was ripped open, he had a bullet hole through his right thigh, five pieces of shrapnel in his left leg, a chunk blown out of his left thigh — among other injuries.
He spent nine months in recovery, and then went back to sea…