WWII Japanese Surrender - More Than the Art of War

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii - Sept. 23, 2016 - PRLog -- I came to visit Hawaii by invitation and to attend the 71st Anniversary of the end of World War II aboard the USS Missouri in Pearl Harbor. My writing career has taken me many places and afforded me many opportunities but this, by far, was the most memorable. It was historic in my list of life experiences.

Art Albert, WWII, Korean and Vietnam War veteran, served aboard the USS Missouri from 1944-1947 and was in attendance on September 2, 1945, the day the Japanese came aboard and signed the Japanese Instrument of Surrender, subsequently ending World War II. He has attended the anniversary ceremony every year since the Missouri came to Pearl Harbor 17 years ago. This year, he was one of two of the original members of the Missouri from that date, in attendance.

Over the years, there have been countless articles written about Art and his experiences, and he is a well-known and highly-respected "regular" to the area. From a writer's perspective, I wondered how I could create an article about such an incredible man and prolific moment in our country's history, without re-iterating what every other publication has contributed.

When I began writing this, I fully intended to focus on Art's stories aboard the Missouri as a young man. But, in corresponding with Neil Yamamoto, School Programs Coordinator aboard the ship, about his thoughts and experiences with Art, it became clear the direction I felt was most important to cover. Art Albert, the man.

"I think the most important thing that people need to know about Art, and the men of his generation, is that they are ordinary men who accomplished extraordinary things," Neil expressed.

Art's smile is infectious and his passion for sharing his stories is humbling. He possesses a zest for life often missing in many people these days. His sweet demeanor and warm hugs were comforting and I swear the man has never met a stranger in his life.

He tells stories of his experiences on the Missouri (or "home" as he calls it) and you're instantly drawn into a world that seems almost surreal, especially if you've never been privy to the reality of war.

In my short week and a half of interacting with Art, there were so many LIFE stories that tugged at my heartstrings. His step-son, Shane Johnson, told me that since he was a little boy, Art would always hand him a peppermint candy in church. Something so simple, but a tradition that has lasted decades and still makes them both smile.

While in Hawaii, I attended Art's church and sure enough, about 15 minutes in, he leans over and hands Shane a couple of peppermint candies with a huge grin on his face. Two men, ages 89 and 44, shared one of the sweetest moments I've witnessed in quite some time.

You see, Art's service to our country in the Navy was just the beginning of the many contributions he bestows upon others.

"I've now known Art for 9 years, and I look forward to seeing him every year, and hearing how he's doing, and how his grandchildren are doing.  They've become family to me, and that is the greatest gift he's ever given me," Neil shared with me.

At 89 years young, Art walks around with an obvious limp, but one that does not limit him when he is determined to do something. While it was an injury that was the result of a kamikaze plane hitting the side of the USS Missouri in 1945, and subsequently resulted in over a dozen surgeries, Art maintains a level of positivity and reflection of his experiences that is inspiring.

Neil Yamamoto confirmed, "Art may be 89 years old, but when he comes aboard, he changes back into that spry 17 year old sailor he was back in 1944. He's a hero. In my eyes, he's larger than life."

Art is a dedicated family-man, a genuinely amazing human being and especially among all the chaos in our society, is a breath of fresh air. I was fortunate to experience the actual man behind the stories; he is so much more than just the Art of war.

http://www.SabrinaKCarpenter.com