GRASS VALLEY, Calif. — It was a somber day in Grass Valley as the entire city gathered to honor a World War II veteran who died at his home.
Lou Conter was the last living survivor of the USS Arizona battleship that exploded and sank during the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor.
Born on Sept. 13, 1921, Louis Anthony Conter was better known as Lou.
"We've been friends with him for the past 13 or so plus years and just remembering how warm and friendly he was, how he always wanted everyone to try their best no matter what," said Dwight Hanson, co-founder of the You Were Worth It Foundation.
Conter was also known for being the last living survivor of the USS Arizona from the attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941.
At 102 years old, he passed away on April 1, and on Tuesday, the grandfather was given the final farewell of a hero.
"This man means a lot to America, a true American hero, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to give the honors and respects to one of America's greatest heroes. And the last time someone's gonna be able to do something for a USS Arizona service member," said Sigmund Furtado, a Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association spokesman.
Emotions run deep for veterans like Furtado, who recall the sacrifice all military men must make.
Whether people knew Conter or not, people felt it was an honor to recognize what he did for the country.
"He came from the greatest generation. It was people like them that really stood up and came to us and helped during a time of war," said Howard Mordell, from the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association.
Conter retired from the Navy after 28 years of service in 1967.
Friends said at his funeral they're not just honoring Conter but all the thousands who lost their lives on the shores of Pearl Harbor.
"Specifically, those that did not come home, the over 400,000, and his 1,177 shipmates that perished on Dec. 7 that Lou says they were the real heroes - the ones that gave their lives for the freedoms that we have in our country today," said Hanson.
Conter leaves behind five sons, a daughter and a stepson. He also had 11 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.
WATCH ALSO:
