A ceremony marking the unveiling of Habersham County’s restored historic courthouse bell Saturday became an opportunity to honor one of the nation’s living heroes.
Retired U.S. Army Capt. Ken Schubring Sr., a 104-year-old Pearl Harbor survivor and World War II veteran, was recognized during the July 11 ceremony in front of the Habersham County Courthouse for his extraordinary military service and lifelong commitment to his country.
Schubring, who now lives in Habersham County, greeted local officials and guests. Habersham County Commissioner Bruce Harkness thanked Schubring for his service, telling him the county was honored to have him in its community.
“Today should be our honor of him,” Harkness said. “We’re blessed that we have a gentleman like this among us.”
U.S. Rep. Andrew Clyde delivered the ceremony’s keynote tribute, describing Schubring as a true American hero whose service helped preserve the freedoms Americans enjoy today.
“I can think of no better way to celebrate our country, our liberties and the sacrifice it has taken to defend them than by honoring a true American hometown hero, Captain Ken Schubring,” Clyde said.
Clyde recounted Schubring’s military career, noting that he enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps at just 17 years old and was stationed in Hawaii when Japan attacked Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941.
“Captain Schubring is one of the last remaining Pearl Harbor survivors still with us today,” Clyde said. “He courageously flew B-29 bombers over the Pacific, fighting from the first day of America’s involvement in the war to the very last.”
Clyde reflected on the attack that drew the United States into World War II, remembering the more than 2,400 Americans who lost their lives and quoting President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s famous declaration that Dec. 7, 1941, would be “a date which will live in infamy.”
He said Americans have a duty to remember the sacrifices made by the Greatest Generation.
“While we will never be able to repay the debt we owe to so many, we have a duty to remember, recognize and honor our warfighters’ heroism, service and sacrifice,” Clyde said.
The congressman also highlighted Schubring’s recent recognition during President Donald Trump’s Independence Day celebration in Washington, D.C., where the president honored Schubring before a national audience during the celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. During that ceremony, Schubring was recognized alongside the American flag recovered from the USS Arizona, which was displayed on stage for him to salute.
To commemorate Schubring’s service, Clyde presented him with an American flag that had been flown over the United States Capitol in his honor, along with a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition.
“It is because of brave men like you that battled through and overcame our darkest chapters as a nation that we may live in freedom in the greatest country on earth,” Clyde said. “We honor you, and we thank you.”
Saturday’s recognition came during the dedication of Habersham County’s newly restored courthouse bell monument, part of the county’s observance of America’s 250th anniversary. While the historic bell symbolizes the county’s past, organizers said honoring Schubring served as a reminder that living witnesses to some of America’s most defining moments are becoming increasingly rare.
At 104 years old, Schubring remains one of the few surviving Americans who witnessed the attack on Pearl Harbor and served throughout World War II, making Saturday’s ceremony both a celebration of local history and a tribute to one of the nation’s remaining members of the Greatest Generation.
Watch the complete presentation honoring Capt. Ken Schubring Sr., including U.S. Rep. Andrew Clyde’s remarks and the presentation of a U.S. Capitol flag flown in his honor, on the Habersham News Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1221283096790357
Habersham News also was able to speak with Captain Schubring after the ceremony. Listen to Captain Schubring here:
https://www.facebook.com/reel/1758481325335733
