“Even after all the survivors have gone, in honor and in remembrance of all those lost, the Beacon lighting will go on.” —Earl “Chuck” Kohler
Each year, on Pearl Harbor Day before the Beacon atop Mount Diablo’s summit is lit by survivors of the attack on Pearl Harbor, Pearl Harbor survivor Chuck Kohler speaks.
He shares his story about what happened at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.
Eighty-two years after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Chuck stands and represents those who are unable to speak for themselves.
Pearl Harbor Survivor Chuck Kohler speaking at the Beacon lighting ceremony on December 7, 2021. Photo by Floyd McCluhan
When the attack happened, he was on the ground in the middle of everything. Now, he is still able to give a firsthand account of that day, something that becomes more and more rare as time passes.
This past December 7, Chuck announced that he would make a $6,000 contribution to Save Mount Diablo’s Beacon Fund so that the Beacon can shine on for many years to come.
And this month, Chuck Kohler will celebrate his 100th birthday.
In honor of Chuck’s 100th birthday, we invite you to donate to Save Mount Diablo’s Beacon Fund.
If you donate to Save Mount Diablo’s Beacon Fund by January 25, we’ll include your name in his birthday card that our Executive Director will hand deliver to Chuck on his 100th birthday!
Listen to Chuck Kohler tell his story and talk about what the Beacon means to him during our 2023 Pearl Harbor Day Beacon lighting ceremony at the CSU East Bay Concord Campus.
Restoring the Beacon
The Mount Diablo Beacon at sunrise in April 2021. Photo by Floyd McCluhan
In 2013, Save Mount Diablo led an extensive restoration project so that Mount Diablo’s Beacon could shine brighter than ever.
For many years, it had languished in disrepair, and eventually it was unclear whether the Beacon could continue to be lit.
Led by Save Mount Diablo volunteers John Gallagher and Dick Heron, the Beacon restoration project inspired an outpouring of support from the surrounding community.
Restoring the Mount Diablo Summit Beacon in 2013
Numerous donors, community members, and even local companies united with the goal of restoring the Beacon to its former glory.
Thanks to the time and resources donated toward this project, the Beacon was able to be extensively restored.
John Gallagher getting ready to turn on the Beacon. Photo by Stephen Joseph
Mount Diablo’s Beacon is lit every Pearl Harbor Day, Memorial Day, and Veterans Day as a tribute to veterans. This will continue indefinitely, honoring the sacrifices of our veterans long after they are gone.
We’re able to support the maintenance of the Beacon thanks to the continuing and dedicated support of our donors.
Please make a gift to our Mount Diablo Beacon Fund in honor of Chuck Kohler’s 100th birthday so that we can ensure that the Mount Diablo Summit Beacon is well-maintained in perpetuity.
Mark your gift “Beacon Fund” in the comment section of the donation form.
Watch John Gallagher talk about the history, restoration, and continued maintenance of the Beacon below:
