Donald Henry, 84, of Nashville served in the U.S. Navy for 5 years. Henry spent a year in Hawaii. During his time, the then 19-year-old petty officer worked on a patrol craft and also raised and lowered the American flag daily on the U.S.S Arizona battleship.
The battleship was one of several warships the Japanese destroyed 75-years ago.
Henry said he would pray for all sailors on board the battleship each day he would raise the flag.
“And I enjoyed doing it because every time I had gone in it, I would say a prayer because I would try to be a good Christian person and I would say a prayer and I knew all the guys were on it and they couldn't get them out."
Henry said he encourages all young people to enter the armed forces if they are able to do so.
