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Jed Boal ReportingThe number of Pearl Harbor survivors dwindles each year, but those who remain still honor their fallen comrades each December 7th.
Utah survivors say they'll continue to mark this day until the last man is standing.
Sixty-five years ago today Japanese bombers swooped in on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii at 7:55 a.m. Bombs and bullets rained down on US battleships. Japanese torpedos hit their targets. That attack drew America into World War Two.
Lawrence Smethurst/Pearl Harbor Survivor: "I was only seventeen, and I was scared...It's something you never forget. As long as I live, I'll never forget it. I was surprised I survived it."
Lawrence Smethurst went from West High to the USS San Francisco to that day of infamy.
Nearly 2400 Americans died, 1200 more were injured. Twenty-one Utahns died in the attack.
Utah survivors gather each year to remind us of the significance to keep America alert.
Three Utahns came to the Capitol today. Art Buell was 22, a machinist on the USS Medusa.
Art Buell/Pearl Harbor Survivor: "people tend to forget. What we need to do is keep our defenses up."
The Pearl Harbor Survivors Association believes 10 Utah survivors died this year, leaving approximately 20. About a half-dozen traveled to Hawaii.
Buell says they'll keep the memories alive as long as they can.
Art Buell/Pearl Harbor Survivor: "Last man standing, I think so. It will be another ten or twelve years. There's always somebody who lives longer than average."
Many survivors are into their 90's. Among the estimated 500 veterans in Pearl Harbor today many think this is the last major anniversary at the site.
