The pix of the young sailor looks to be age 10 - 15, but he is actually age 18; very young looking. Here is his story: 2B Tuesday, Nov 10, 1009 The Herald, Kristi's Notebook Kristi O'Harran (Herald Writer QUOTED AS FOLLOWS: WWII veteran keeps up his march to be of service PIX captioned - Kenneth Ervin, shown here as an 18-year-old sailor, continues his service in the VFW (He appears with a very young face, smile with teeth showing, in Summer dress White navy uniform-CC.). There's a sad image of Kenneth Ervin, Pearl Harbor survivor, marching in a patriotic parade. He's all alone. He's the only World War II veteran walking amid floats and bands. His hand shake with Parkinson's disease. His thin legs are exhausted long before the end of the route. His back remains arched with pride. It's a pity to report he's been the only military participant in many such events. Ervin, the past all-American commander of Veterans of Foreighn Wars Post 2100 in Everett, wishes younger veterans would join the organization. At one time, the post was the 32nd largest in the United States, Ervin said. "Us older guys are trying to get the kids to join," Ervin said. "There lots of work to be done, lots of community service." It has been more than 50 years since Apprentice Seaman Ervin, armed only with a night stick, was on watch duty in Pearl Harbor. A self-described dumb kid, he admits to being scared to death when Japanese planes on the morning of Dec. 7, 1941. "I was within 200 yeards of the bombing," he said. "They slaughtered the hell out of us." Ervin, 75, went on to serve nine years in the Navy, ending his stint assigned to a supply inventory team on the USS Missouri, the battleship on which the Japanese signed the surrender. He was aboard the USS Idaho during the height of the war, seeing action in the Marshall Islands, Iwo Jima and Okinawa. Perhaps you've heard of those battles. Ervin fears children today are more in tune with Baby Face Nelson or John Dillinger. "They're interested in jet planes," Ervin said. "They want to know about rockets to the moon." He wants children to know about the sacrifices of brave military men and women who served our country. He has spoken in schools to impart that message, bu worries now that the Parkinson's tremble in his hands will frighten a young audience. He keeps extensive visual aids stored in an aging suitcase between engagements. "When I talk to kids, I ask them what they think a warrior with eight medals would look like," he said, showing them a picture of a baby-faced lad in a Navy cap. "They say, 'That's a little boy,' and I tell them that's who fights wars." After World War II, Ervin married his wife of 51 years, Phyllis. She worked for Sears in Seattle when a friend introduced them. Their four children all live near their Everett home where their father owned a sign painting shop. Besides being one of perhaps a dozen active Everett VFW members, Ervin helps the Central Memorial Day Committee plan patriotic celebrations, is a member of the Navy League and is the past commander of the Military Order of the Cooties, an honorary group of the VFW whose members visit hospitals "to keep those smiling in beds of white." He has been busy with another project recently. Ervin and his sons Skip and Robert and his grandson Philip, 15, have built a 3-foot-long model of the USS Missouri. The detailed replica is delicate, with turrets that turn. The family would like it displayed around town, and is interested in hearing ideas about a great place to pose the ship. If you have a suggestion, call me at 425-339-3451. If you would like to visit with Ervin, He'll be attending a Veterans"s Day ham dinner at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the VFW hall, 2711 Oakes Ave. in Everett. Tickets are $7.50. The public event is sponsored by the VFW and American Legion. Ervin suggested the dinner would be a great time for any veteran who might be interested in joining the Legion or VFW to drop by, enjoy the meal and visit with members. "I don't know why the Vietnam vets aren"t interested in joining," Ervin said. "We have some good workers at Post 2100." The post sponsors Scouts, Little League and blwling teams. Maybe a new member would like to help Ervin with another project. He makes small flags that serve a specific purpose. When he's out and about, he's apt to ask a child if they can recite the Pledge of Allegiance. If they can, they get a flag. If they can't, I bet they wonder who the older gentleman is and what his message is. If they take the time to listen, they'll learn a little bit about patriotism. "You've got to be proud of serving your country," Ervin said. "We've got to keep a Pearl Harbor from happening again." To solidify his point, he'll continue working with compatriots to keep the VFW functioning. He'll spread his message about warriors and heroes to school children. He'll wear his uniform in parades to represent elderly vets who just can't make the march, even if he's the only military presence in the procession. When I shook his hand farewell, I felt overwhelmingly honored to meet such an inspiring World War II veteran. "I'm proud of my past and of those who preceded me," Ervin said. "I'm just trying to carry on." Kristi's Notebook appears Tuesdays and Fridays. If you have an idea for her call 425-339-3451 or send information to o'harran@heraldnet.com END OF ARTICLE QUOTED FROM THE HERALD, EVERETT, WA. Carroll of Snohomish. * * * 30 * * * ___________________________________________________________________ You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail. Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866]