For the surviving members of the "Greatest Generation," the four-hour cruise aboard the big, gray World War II merchant ship was more than just a lazy journey through Tampa Bay.
The SS American Victory, a floating museum moored behind the Florida Aquarium, left its dock Saturday morning for a trip to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Japanese sneak attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, that killed more than 2,400 and sparked America's entry into the raging global conflict. To those who wore the uniform during America's ensuing battles, it was a time to reconnect, reminisce and honor their friends who never made it back.
To the head of U.S. Special Operations Command, it was a day to honor heroes who helped save the nation. And for one family, it was a day for a sea burial of a loved one who served during the war.
"This brings back a lot of memories," said Bill Monfort, 99, of Tampa, who was on a destroyer in the Pacific when Japanese warplanes attacked America's military installation in the Hawaiian islands.
"There was a lot of pain," said Mel Smith, 98, of St. Petersburg, who was at Pearl Harbor the morning of the attack.
Some veterans, who were just a little too young to have been in the service at the time of the attack, recalled feeling a mixture of anger and patriotism at hearing the news.
"I was mad and wanted to join," said Dan Bonner, 93, of Palm Harbor, who joined the Navy in November 1942, as soon after turning 18 as he could.
A little more than 500 people piled on the ship, including many veterans of Korea and Vietnam, and some who served in all three conflicts.
The American Victory served in those wars as well, said James "Hondo" Geurts, a member of the ship's board of directors.
"Today, we are out with the community, celebrating the 75th anniversary of Pearl Harbor," said Geurts, whose day job is head of acquisition for SOCom. "This is a great day to celebrate our military community and for everyone to come together to keep this old World War II ship sailing for us to enjoy."
As an indication of just how seriously today's military takes the memory of Pearl Harbor, Army Gen. Raymond A. "Tony Thomas III, took time out of his busy schedule as the head of SOCom, to honor the vets.
After handing out ceremonial coins, Thomas made a short speech thanking those who served.
"The world would be a distinctly different place if not for you," he said.
The World War II veterans were brought on board by Honor Flight of West Central Florida. In its six years, the group has taken more than 2,100 veterans, most of them from World War II, to the memorial in Washington, D.C., said Gary Gilchrist, a member of the group's board of directors. It's an urgent mission, he said, with about 400 World War II veterans dying nationwide every day. Those veterans now make up only about 30 percent of the flights, with the rest veterans of Korea and Vietnam.
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Explore all your optionsThe cruise also served as the final journey for John Seth Woodrow, who was 92 when he died on April 9, 2015. He served in the Merchant Marines during World War II, sailing all over the world, according to his son, James Woodrow.
"He never talked much about the war," said the son. "But his last wish was to be buried at sea aboard this ship. It was a final bit of closure."
Contact Howard Altman at haltman@tampabay.com or (813) 225-3112. Follow @haltman.