Honoring America’s Fallen at Pearl Harbor

Memorial Day is a day of reflection for Americans.  We honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice to this great nation.    Of all the military memorials scattered throughout the country, one stands out in particular – the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial.

Hawaii is America’s ultimate tropical paradise, which makes it that much harder to comprehend what happened here.   The fun-loving life so many sailors and Navy personnel stationed at Pearl enjoyed came to an abrupt end on December 7, 1941.    It was a Sunday.  The sun was bright, palm trees were swaying in the breeze, and plans were being made for a lazy Sunday afternoon on Waikiki Beach.   The Japanese had other plans.  Just before 0755 hours, Japanese Zeros began attacking this island paradise.   It all ended in just 2 hours.  The damage was immense.  The Japanese had managed to sink or severely damage 8 battleships, 3 destroyers, and 3 light cruisers.  The human toll was horrific – more than 2,000 Navy and Marine were killed.



The U.S.S. Arizona Memorial stands as a memorial to all those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.  A trip to the Memorial is incredibly moving.  Oil still seeps out of the Arizona and up to the surface.  World War II veterans may even throw flower leis into the water to remember their fallen comrades.

The National Park Service operates the Memorial and the re-vamped visitor center that includes mementos from the day, a short film, and interviews with survivors.  A few of the men and women working here are Pearl Harbor survivors themselves and are willing to share their experiences.

 A short boat trip will take you out to the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial.  It’s a white platform that hovers over the fallen ship.  Stepping on this hallowed ground, it’s hard to imagine the immensity of what happened here on that fateful day.   The Arizona took 1,177 of her crew with her when she was torpedoed and sunk.  There will be plenty of time to reflect before the boat returns to the visitor center.

The Pacific Aviation Museum, USS Bowfin, and USS Missouri are also located at Pearl Harbor.  It’s only fitting that the USS Missouri is docked here.  It’s the boat the Japanese officially surrendered on.   The USS Bowfin is in excellent shape and gives you a glimpse of what life was like on a submarine in World War II.  The Aviation Museum is fantastic, filled with plenty of World War II aircraft and memorabilia.

Plan on spending a full day here.  You’ll never forget those heroes that fought to the bitter end to protect the nation they loved so much.

For more information about visiting Pearl Harbor, visit:  www.nps.gov/valr