For nearly 20 years, retired Master Chief Yeoman Jim Taylor has served as the Pearl Harbor survivors' liaison and honored the service of those who survived the Dec. 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor.
Survivors can have their ashes scattered in the waters of Pearl Harbor, and those serving on USS Arizona or USS Utah may be interred inside their ship. Families and friends of the deceased are welcome and encouraged to attend the services, which include military honors, a chaplain for religious service, the playing of "Taps," and presentation of the American flag. Then the family scatters the ashes in the water.
Taylor is the man who helps to make all this happen.
On Oct. 18, Taylor was honored for his service and dedication when he was awarded the Lex Brodie Above and Beyond Award. Lex Brodie was an iconic Hawaii businessman and an active member of the community. The Above and Beyond Award honors those affiliated with the U.S. military who go above and beyond the call of duty.
"In the mid-90s, I volunteered to assist with the Navy's casualty assistance and funeral honors program," said Taylor.
"There was a program in place to honor Pearl Harbor survivors by placing their remains in the waters of the harbor when they died. Since then, I have become very close to the Pearl Harbor survivors and their families, resulting in burial services for over 300 Sailors, Soldiers and Marines. There are approximately 20 burials a year, and the number grows each year," Taylor said.
For Taylor, volunteering as a Pearl Harbor survivor liaison is a labor of love.
"I have always supported our veterans, in particular those who were here in Hawaii, during the terrible attack on our country," he said.
"They are all heroes – even though almost every one of them doesn't like the word hero. To me, they are definitely heroes. They created the mold for Sailors who followed in their footsteps during many encounters with enemies up until the present day.
Taylor said he has no plans to quit and looks forward to continuing to serve in the future.
"I have two goals," said Taylor.