LEBANON -- It was 67 years ago, but Bernard Hall clearly remembers the morning he headed to the chow hall and saw the Japanese warplane pass overhead. Next came the boom, boom sounds from Pearl Harbor.

On Sunday, Hall, 93, was honored as a survivor of the surprise Japanese attack that pulled the United States into World War II. The attack killed more than 2,300 Americans and dealt a devastating blow to the U.S. Pacific Fleet.

About 75 people -- including local dignitaries and fellow veterans -- turned out to Hanson Elementary School to salute Hall and commemorate the historic event. The ceremony was organized by American Legion Post 214, which is based in town.

Stephen White, the post's commander, spoke of the debt that Americans owe World War II veterans like Hall.

"If you think about it -- really think about it -- they didn't just win the war. They saved the world," White said.

Hall, a logger from North Berwick, was sent to Hawaii after enlisting in the Army. He was at the Schofield Barrcks, a camp about 20 miles from Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941.

Hall worked as a truck driver in the Army. The night following the attack, he drove 22 miles in blackout conditions to the bivouac area. There the soldiers dug trenches, and Hall went about six weeks without a change of clothes. It was unclear to the soldiers what would happen next, and they were awfully concerned, Hall said after the ceremony.

"We thought they were coming back," he said.

Hall later served in New Guinea and Australia. He got out of the military on July 5, 1945 -- about six weeks before V-J Day -- and returned to Maine.

Hall moved to Lebanon a couple of years ago to live with his daughter, June Boivin. Members of Post 214, which was established about a year and a half ago, were glad to learn a Pearl Harbor veteran was in their community.

"World War II veterans, we love the best, we respect the most," White, a Vietnam veteran, said.

Jim Moyer, Post 214's sergeant-at-arms, said Hall may be among the last Pearl Harbor survivors in Maine.

He's just a remarkable man, said Moyer, a Vietnam and Desert Storm veteran.

Gordon Kendall, the post's protocol officer and a Desert Storm veteran, stressed the importance of teaching about Pearl Harbor, World War II and the contribution of that era's veterans.

It made the country a lot stronger, he said.

Jason Cole, a selectman and the town's assistant rescue chief, said he was proud to be able to participate in the event, even though he is not a veteran.

"This is an important day and important to remember," he said.

The ceremony was filled with expressions of thanks to Hall.

Representatives of another veterans group, Rolling Thunder, and the offices of Republican U.S. Senators Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins spoke. Two local lawmakers -- Sen. Richard Nass and Rep. Joan Nass, Republicans from Acton -- sent greetings from the Legislature and wrote a letter of appreciation.

Post 214 members read letters from Gov. John Baldacci and President Bush.

Hall did not speak during the ceremony, but wore a huge smile at times. It was a great day, he said later.

"I feel good, he said. I feel proud, proud as can be."