Pearl Harbor, Hawaii

On this day, the anniversary of the attack of Pearl Harbor, I thought it fitting to post my thoughts on our recent visit to Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial.

We've all heard stories and seen movies depicting the epic tale but I don't think you really get the full impact of the event until you are actually standing there, looking at the harbor, the moors for the ships that went down, the numerous lists of servicemen, ships, submarines, civilians, etc that were lost on that infamous day and the various memorials erected in their honor.

Upon entering the site you can see the harbor, the giant anchor of the USS Arizona, and several areas to explore including the Walk of Remembrance, the USS Bowfin (submarine) and sections of other submarines, the USS Missouri (battleship), small planes, a section which had missiles, torpedoes, harpoons, big guns, several museums and a theater. Memorials included the Lost Submarine Memorial which also has a time capsule to be opened in June 2050. We explored each of these areas, learning much.

Afterwards, we headed to the theater which is the beginning of the USS Arizona tour. Here we saw a film explaining what led up to the attack, plus details and actual footage of the attack.  It was very informative and very well done. It explained a lot of things and it made me sad as I imagined how family members who had lost loved ones here might have felt watching this. When the film ended, we boarded a Navy launch which took us over to the USS Arizona Memorial. As we crossed Pearl Harbor, we were reminded that the soldiers that died on the ship remained on that ship and, as this was their final resting place, we should give it the respect it was due. (I think that was a given.)  Entering the memorial, looking up through the open ceiling at the clear blue sky and then looking down into the water at the remains of the ship with the souls at rest therein, made the experience eerie and peaceful at the same time. Seeing the wall of names, the flowers and wreaths, the remains of the ship spanned by the Memorial, made it all a very "real" and moving experience.

 I highly recommend this as a "must do" if you visit Oahu, Hawaii. There are tour companies that you can purchase this tour from but entrance to Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona are free of charge. If you want to ensure a spot, you can purchase reservations through the National Parks Service for a $1.50/person. Tours of the Bowfin and Missouri have an additional fee.

We should all have a profound respect for those who have fought and continue to fight for our country and our freedoms, for their bravery and selflessness, and for their families who also make these enormous sacrifices so that we can all be safe.