For more than half a century, members of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association gathered here every Dec. 7 to commemorate the attack by the Japanese that drew the United States into World War II. Others stayed closer to home for more intimate regional chapter ceremonies, sharing memories of a day they still remember in searing detail.<\/p>\n
But no more. The 70th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack will be the last one marked by the survivors\u2019 association. With a concession to the reality of time \u201d\u201d of age, of deteriorating health and death \u201d\u201d the association will disband on Dec. 31.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe had no choice,\u201d\u009d said William H. Eckel, 89, who was once the director of the Fourth Division of the survivors\u2019 association, interviewed by telephone from Texas. \u201cWives and family members have been trying to keep it operating, but they just can\u2019t do it. People are winding up in nursing homes and intensive care places.\u201d\u009d<\/p>\n