World Photo by Madeline Steege A member of the Cherokee Nation, Eagle Spirit, right, who is a Cherokee sub-chief living int he Bay Area, takes a moment to honor Pearl Harbor survivor Lt. Col. Boyd Williamson, left, on Tuesday afternoon at Evergreen Court in North Bend.

It was battle fought nearly 68 years ago, but no one's forgotten Lt. Col. Boyd Williamson's contribution during the attack on Pearl Harbor.

On Tuesday, local members of the Oregon Myrtlewood Band of the Southwestern Cherokee Council honored the veteran and Pearl Harbor survivor during a ceremony at Evergreen Court in North Bend.

Cherokee Nation Sub-chief Eagle Spirit, who lives in the Bay Area, paid tribute to the 85-year-old on behalf of the tribe for his service to the nation.

"You are our past and our hope for the future," she told Williamson.

Tribal members wrapped a handmade blanket around his shoulders during the ceremony.

Williamson served in the U.S. Navy for four years before joining the U.S. Air Force and serving another 24 years. After retiring from the military, he taught aviation space science at Marshfield High School for 11 years. He and his wife, Norah, raised three children and have 22 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren.

The Cherokee Nation was represented at the small ceremony by Chief Thunder Woman, veteran Tall Bear, Eagle Spirit, two young girls, Hummingbird and Bluebird, plus Laughing Red Flower. While representing the Cherokee Nation, members use their tribal names.

Williamson also received a knitted hat and a couch runner, all in red, white and blue, which he said are his favorite colors.