Today we honor the victims of Pearl Harbor, those who lost their lives in World War II, and those who survived after serving our country so nobly, and with such pride, in what was to be the war to end all wars.

Exactly six months ago today, during an April family vacation on the big island of Hawaii, my husband and I flew to Honolulu, on Oahu, to visit the USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor.

It was a memorable occasion, made even more personal for us in a community sense, when we stood before the plaque bearing the name Willard C. Orr, the only Bangor resident to die there that day.

A 2001 Bangor Daily News editorial reported that Willard Carleton Orr, a 1939 Bangor High School graduate, was an excellent debater and member of the National Honor Society. He was also an active member of All Souls Congregational Church.

At 19, he joined the U.S. Army Air Force and rose to the rank of private first class before shipping out.

Orr was working as a head cook at Hickam Field when the first bombs were dropped at 7:55 a.m. that fateful Sunday.

Today from the national park’s Visitor Center, a launch carries visitors to the USS Arizona Memorial in the harbor.

Oil still seeps up to the surface of the water from the ship that is the final resting place for more than 1,000 crew members who died on what President Franklin Roosevelt termed “a day that will live in infamy.”

Orr, who is listed on the first page of the World War II Book of Honor at Bangor Public Library, was one of 2,400 Americans killed at Pearl Harbor 63 years ago.

Local veterans invite the public to attend a Pearl Harbor Memorial Ceremony at noon today at Kenduskeag Stream Plaza in downtown Bangor.

On Thursday, Nov. 30, American Red Cross Pine Tree Chapter executive director Suzan Bell and director of emergency services Jody Roberts reported that chapter had responded to reports of “seven devastating house-apartment fires” in the last 15 days that have displaced seven families.

Of those 28 people, half are children.

While emergency disaster relief volunteers are working with those fire victims to help provide immediate assistance in the form of food, clothing and shelter, the ARC continues to work with them to meet their needs.

Because ARC disaster assistance is free, and because holidays are some of the most difficult times of the year for any local ARC chapter, Bell and Roberts hope you will consider making a financial donation to the ARC to help victims of these and other disasters.

Contributions can be made to the Pine Tree Chapter of the ARC, 33 Mildred Ave., Bangor 04401.

For more information, call 941-2903.

The public is invited to the annual Silver Tea hosted by Waldo County General Hospital Aid 3-6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 8, at the home of Harmony Joseph and John LoGalbo, 71 Congress St. in Belfast.

There is no admission fee, but a silver bowl will be available in which to place voluntary donations. All proceeds benefit the hospital.

Sandwiches, desserts, punch, coffee and tea will be served at this fund-raiser that began in the 1950s.

Guests at this year’s tea will enjoy visiting this historic brick Greek-revival house built in 1847 that features carved wooden rope trim around the front parlor windows.

Additionally, Joseph’s collection of vintage hats, teapots and tea memorabilia is on display throughout the house.

For information, call 338-9303.

I was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Garth Chandler, one of the nicest men it has been my privilege to know.

Garth gave a great deal to his community and will be particularly remembered for seeing to it that young people in this area had the opportunity to become outstanding swimmers.

Back when I was a member of this paper’s sports staff, I recall times when it seemed as if Garth and his wife, Judy, were the only ones pounding the pavement and burning up the telephone lines to make sure young people had the opportunity to “test the waters.”

That dedication and devotion paid off, and, as a result, helped establish a legacy of swimming excellence for this area.

To Judy, Garth’s daughters and their family, I extend my sincere condolences.

He was a good, kind, gentle man who made a difference.

Joni Averill, Bangor Daily News, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402; 990-8288.