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USS Midway holds celebration of life for Pearl Harbor survivor and WWII veteran

Stu Hedley was given full military honors during the celebration which included a 21-gun salute, a flyover as well as the laying of a wreath.

SAN DIEGO — The USS Midway Museum hosted a celebration of life on Wednesday for Stu Hedley, a Pearl Harbor survivor and World War II veteran who died in early August at the age of 99.

After Hedley’s 20 years of service in the United States Navy, he spoke to hundreds of thousands of people about his experience on the USS West Virginia during the Pearl Harbor attack. He never missed an opportunity to speak to students about the attack to ensure no one would forget the sacrifice.

"I will always remember Pearl Harbor. I will never forget and I will do my part to keep America alert," said Trinity Hanson, youth representative and Stu's friend.

The event was held on the flight deck of the U.S.S Midway Museum. Hedley was given full military honors during the celebration which included a 21-gun salute, a flyover as well as the laying of a wreath.

"Stu rolled up sleeves and said the freedoms of America are under attack and I will fight because I've sworn to fight to protect them," said Mac McLaughlin, (Ret.) RADM U.S. Navy, CEO & President of the U.S.S Midway Museum.

Some of the speakers who took part were Mayor Todd Gloria, Rear Admiral Stephen Barnett and other local leaders who spoke on Hedley's life and accomplishments.

"He is someone who understood that his service to this community and this country that was never done. He always paid it forward," said Mayor Todd Gloria. 

His long time friend who organized the memorial remembers his kind and generous soul. 

"I never heard Stu say any unkind word about anyone ever," said Kathy Hansen, CMDCM (Ret.) U.S. Navy. 

As friends and family and brothers and sisters remembered Stu, they consistently shared how he never met a stranger and always made you feel like you were his best friend. 

"I'm a better person and everyone he met is a better person," said Bill Paxton, Sgt. Maj. (Ret.) USMC.

In 2011, after Hedley returned from one of the first Honor Flight San Diego, he became an ambassador for the nonprofit who encouraged WWII and Korean War veterans to fly to Washington D.C. to visit their memorials. 

"All of us at Honor Flight San Diego will remember Stu for his tireless energy, infectious smile and best hugs anyone could ask for," said Holly Shaffner, Honor Flight San Diego and Stu's friend. 

Stu has previously said he owed his deep faith to surviving Pearl Harbor.

A private burial service will be held at Miramar National Cemetery where he will be buried next to his wife Wanda of 64 years. 

Stu was one of San Diego’s last living Pearl Harbor survivors and passed away from complications due to COVID-19.

In lieu of flowers, the Hedley family requests donations be made to the "Stuart Hedley Award Memorial Fund" at the Enlisted Leadership Foundation.  

WATCH: San Diego Pearl Harbor survivor dies from COVID-19

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