Pearl Harbor Survivor Featured In Memorial Day Civic Band Concert

May 27, 2016

Pearl Harbor Survivor and musician Frank Emond recently celebrated his 98th birthday.

“When you’re 98, you’re allowed more than one birthday party,” said nonogenarian Frank Emond. “I’ve celebrated with family and friends and I got a cake from Cordova Park Elementary School, when three other Pearl Harbor Survivors and I spoke last week.”

“I’m grateful to all our Pearl Harbor Honor Flight friends that worked so hard to take us back to Pearl for the 70th commemoration in 2011. They continue to arrange things for us to keep us going. That’s my secret to long life, keeping busy,” he continued.

Frank Emond, CWO4 USN (RET.), spent his naval career as a musician and band director. He was on the stern of the USS Pensylvania (BB-38) getting ready to play morning “Colors” when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on Dec 7, 1941. “At five minutes to eight, I looked up and saw a line of planes coming in. The first one peeled off and dropped something. I thought the plane was coming apart. I watched it until the something hit the ground and exploded. We knew we were in trouble then …”

Frank will tell the rest of his story on Monday night, May 30th as a part of Pensacola’s Inaugural Memorial Day Concert presented by the Pensacola Civic Band. The concert begins at 5:00 PM in the Hunter Amphitheatre at Community Maritime Park and will include a program of music honoring our military fallen heroes. Additionally, the program will include narration by Rev. Gerald Mundy & Paula Dorrett and a special performance by soloist, Holly Shelton. There is no charge for the concert, food and drink will be available from outside vendors. Be sure to bring some chairs or a blanket.

For more information on the concert, contact the Pensacola Civic Band www.pensacolacivicband.org or call 850.484.1847

Comments

2 Responses to “Pearl Harbor Survivor Featured In Memorial Day Civic Band Concert”

  1. WilliamCarney SCV on May 29th, 2016 6:47 am

    A great milestone! We owe everything to our vets….a great debt which can never be repayed….thank you sir for being there on that momentous day.

  2. Angelique on May 28th, 2016 2:20 am

    Happy Birthday!

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News