Pearl Harbor survivor Conter receives a hero's welcome at Auburn book signing

Emma Lujan said she "had no doubt" a few hundred people would show up at C&E Auburn Indian and V-Twin for an event May 22 that doubled as a book signing with Lou Conter and an opportunity to honor the retired U.S. Navy Lt. Commander, one of two remaining survivors of the USS Arizona attack at Pearl Harbor. "I was hoping it would turn out as well as it did, and it turned out better, honestly," she said. Lujan counted a crowd of 312 that arrived and formed a "Walk of Honor" for Conter from his limousine to the entrance of the business. Lujan said there were people on each side of the limo. The crowd stood at attention as Roseville resident and Nashville recording artist Jennifer Belle performed the national anthem. Veterans saluted. Emma and Carlo Lujan walked Conter through the crowd and into the dealership. The Placer County Sheriff's Office honor guard was present, as was the California Highway Patrol, Auburn Police Department and Patriot Riders of America. And people who just wanted to honor Conter. "He said, 'Are all these people here for me?' " Emma Lujan said of Conter, who showed up to sign copies of his book, "The Lou Conter Story: From USS Arizona Survivor to Unsung American Hero," and received a hero's welcome and treatment. "Here's a gentleman who sacrificed so much and saw so much and was a survivor of Pearl Harbor," Emma Lujan said. "We're grateful for the community we live in and the people who participated." Also attending were Conter's son, Jim Conter, daughter Louann Daley and other family and friends, including former Placer County Sheriff Ed Bonner. Even though Conter pre-signed 100 books, Emma Lujan said he stayed 90 minutes and "personalized every book people wanted personalized." "It was very organized," she said. "It was perfect because it wasn't too much, but it was wonderful. He beamed through the whole thing. It was an amazing day. It could not have gone any better."