The Pearl Harbor National Memorial Park was a solemn experience. This is a place where all American’s should visit at least once in their lifetime. Of the 2,403 lives lost on December 7, 1941, sadly 1,177 went down with the USS Arizona.
Pearl Harbor is a deep water lagoon where the United States harbors it’s Pacific Fleet. The US established this port in 1887.
For you who do not know me, My name is Anthony. I will be hosting this historic adventure. Pearl Harbor is one of America’s most noted memorials. The attack on Pearl Harbor by the Japanese Imperial Army was the main reason why the United States entered World War Two. Sit back and let me guide you through one of America’s most notable and historical wartime events.
The Pearl Harbor National Memorial Park is a very honorable and well respected attraction. There are various museums, exhibits, and dedicated monuments.
As I walked through the park, a variety of artifacts told the history of that fatal day on December 7, 1941. There are several memorials honoring the heroes who gave their lives to protect America. The bell (shown right) was a vital part of the USS Arizona. People quietly admire a piece from the lost ship.
The USS Arizona was 608 feet long and over 31,000 tons of raw military power. It was built for World War One. But in 1940-41, the Arizona was updated with some of the most advanced weaponry and wartime technology.
Along with the Battleship’s bell and a few other museum items, one of the Arizona’s anchors was brought up to create an on-land memorial. It is an amazing sight!
With so many other memorials, the one that hits home the most is the Lone Sailor Memorial. Chills ran up and down my back knowing that 1,177 souls still lay at rest on the USS Arizona.
There were 3 ships that were a total loss. They are the Arizona, Utah, and Oklahoma. The Arizona and Oklahoma are the two battleships that remain at the bottom of the Harbor. The Utah rolled over, but was up righted and brought closer to shore.
Most all the battleships were heavily damaged. However, the Japanese failed to bomb the repair facilities and dry docks. This allowed the US to repair it’s fleet within 6 to 12 months and put back into service.
The USS Missouri is docked next to the Arizona Memorial. On September 2, 1945, the Japanese Foreign Minister and General surrendered on the deck of the USS Missouri. The Missouri was decommission in 1955 and reactivated in 1986. It went on to provide fire power in the Gulf War in 1991. It was again decommissioned and now serves as a museum.
The USS Arizona Memorial was the quietest excursion I have ever taken or been on. There was little conversation, nobody being loud or obnoxious, and proper conduct was mandatory. On the way over to the memorial, out of respect, everyone sat quietly and pondered what they were about to experience. Respect was given without hesitation.
You have seen the picture of the USS Arizona’s name engraved in the white marble stone in Pearl Harbor. But when you step through its entryway, your mind fades back to that fateful day. Shortly after the attack, President Roosevelt gave his famous but heartbreaking speech,
“December 7th, 1941, A Date That Will Live In Infamy.”
It was a tragic day for all of America and our men and women in the armed forces. And let’s not forget their families. It was a terrifying day for those who watched the news clips. America immediately pulled itself up by it’s bootstraps, regrouped, and went to war.
The Memorial crosses over the battleship’s mid-stern that overlooks the forward turrets. You can see faint shadows of the ship’s upper deck. But over time, the salt water and its natural habitat distorts much of the ship’s structure. You can only imagine when this mighty warship dominated the world’s oceans.
The photos only give you a glimpse of what lies below the memorial. I was able to capture with any clarity, what the topside structure looks like just below the water level.
The photos show the upper turret that held the Arizona’s 14 inch guns. The cylinder closest to the memorial is a lower vent stack. At the time, the USS Arizona was one of the Navy’s powerhouse ships.
The names engraved on this wall sadly bear 1,170 heroes who lay in rest just 40 feet down from where we stand. On the other side of Ford Island, Another battleship lies in rest. The USS Oklahoma Memorial still holds approximately 100 Navy personnel. Ford Island is an active base and has restricted visitation.
Japan claimed to have a secret weapon. It was a 1,175 pound armor piercing torpedo. They were dropped from a Nakajima B5N Bomber.
It was first thought that one torpedo sank the Arizona. After later reports and underwater observation, there were four hits and three misses recorded.
Our visit to Pearl Harbor and The USS Arizona Memorial will be one of the most memorable ever. Taking photos and shooting video in some way seemed awkward and somewhat disrespectful. Not that we were offending anyone or made a scene, but were we imposing on holy ground? Even though others were taking photos, I tried to be discreet and not draw attention to myself. But again, 2,403 lives were lost on the same ground I was immortalizing.
Please take a few more minutes to watch the video we have put together. It will bring you a little closer to what we saw, felt, and experienced on that solemn day.
Photography: Anthony & Maureen Scopel
Video: Anthony & Maureen Scopel
Article Creator & Formatting: Anthony Scopel
Video Production: Anthony Scopel & Matt Kemper
Associate Editor: Maureen Scopel
Technical Mastering & Web Support: Matt Kemper
Publishing Provided By: You, Me and The Dock
“Saw a prayer for the heroes who lost their lives
preserving our freedom so we can enjoy what
we have today”
