101-year-old Pearl Harbor survivor will attend the 80th memorial service thanks to his daughter and dozens of kind strangers

His daughter, Kimberlee Heinrichs, told CNN she knew her dad needed to attend the event on December 7, after his social life was severely limited due to the Covid-19 pandemic. But after a tough year of layoffs and financial struggle, getting him there with the care he needed didn’t seem possible.

“So, I’m working part-time, no money, and then the organization who might have taken him was unable to accommodate the need for two caregivers. I finally just went, Let’s get this done in a way that works best for him,” Heinrichs said.

“The idea that complete strangers donated money even beyond what was needed made me cry. People did something kind when that seems in short supply,” she said.

Both said they are grateful for the generosity of others, and the opportunity to have Schab there in person. On Sunday, he’s going to be conducting the PACFLEET band at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center.

Schab has attended the ceremony a few times in his life and said every time he does, it brings him a sense of wonder.

“I like that when I go there are reminders of people and things from a long time ago. People I miss. It brings back memories,” he said.

Heinrichs acknowledges this could be her dad’s last time attending the ceremony, and implores this generation to get to know some veterans.

“But really that they have so much to offer people and they need to ask the questions and have them tell them their stories. This generation especially. We are losing them so often,” she said. “They have a lot to offer. Give them the time.”