In honor of the 80th anniversary of the sinking of the WW2 aircraft carrier, USS Hornet (CV-8), 100-year-old Bob Cole of Fresno is recognized at the Fresno Veterans Memorial Museum, Oct. 26. 

Senior Feather editors, Aubrey Graham, Emma Calderon and Taylor Beckworth interview Cole, as the last known recorded survivor of the USS Hornet. Upon entering the museum, the Feather editors were greeted with the sight of other local news sources such as The Fresno Bee, Valley PBS, Central Valley Today and KSEE24.

While Calderon interviewed Cole about his five years of experience in service, Graham and Beckworth took the opportunity to

snap photos of the interaction as well as many museum displays. One display, in particular, framed James Harold Dolittle’s army uniform from the Dolittle Raid.

 Cole shared his new perspective on people in service and the things they go through while talking to Calderon.

“If I hadn’t gone into service, I would never know how all the army, navy and people in service feel,” Cole said. “See, when I went in there, I was 41 and we were not at war. I know the difference between wartime and peacetime.”

Calderon shares the impact she had from the interview with Cole.

“After the interview, I have a new, more grateful outlook on life,” Calderon said, “I hope that high school students learn to respect veterans more and still recognize them after their service.”

If you have not visited the Veterans Memorial Museum lately, we encourage you to make the trip.

For more photos, visit the Media page.

For more articles, read ArtHop promotes local artists, showcases Central Valley diversity and Column: ASB President, importance of opening up.