Eternal Honor: The USS Arizona Memorial in Honolulu, Hawaii

The USS Arizona Memorial in Honolulu, Hawaii, stands as a solemn and poignant tribute to the events of December 7, 1941, when the United States was drawn into World War II following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Located within the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument, the memorial commemorates the lives lost on the USS Arizona battleship and serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made during that pivotal moment in history.

Location and Design: The USS Arizona Memorial is situated on the western side of Ford Island in Pearl Harbor, Oahu. The memorial was designed by architect Alfred Preis and was dedicated on May 30, 1962. Its unique structure consists of three main sections: the entry room, the assembly room, and the platform that spans the sunken wreckage of the USS Arizona battleship.

Honoring Heroes: The USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor

Discover the solemn tribute to the fallen heroes of the USS Arizona as you reflect on the historical significance of the Pearl Harbor attack.

The Experience: Visitors to the memorial typically start their journey at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, where they can learn about the events leading up to the attack and its aftermath through a series of exhibits, historical artifacts, and informative displays. The center provides essential context to the memorial experience.

From the visitor center, guests embark on a short boat ride to the memorial itself. The boat trip offers a solemn and contemplative atmosphere as visitors approach the memorial, allowing time for reflection and remembrance.

The Memorial: The memorial's design symbolizes the unity of the nation during times of adversity. The entry room features a wall displaying the names of the 1,177 crew members who lost their lives on the USS Arizona. The assembly room is a white, open-air structure with seven large windows that provide a clear view of the sunken battleship below. This space encourages quiet contemplation and offers visitors the opportunity to pay their respects.

The central platform spans the sunken remains of the USS Arizona, allowing visitors to see parts of the battleship's structure just below the water's surface. The oil that still leaks from the wreckage, often referred to as the "tears of the Arizona," creates a unique and somber phenomenon on the water's surface.

Reflection and Remembrance: The USS Arizona Memorial serves as a place of reflection, education, and remembrance. It honors not only the lives lost on December 7, 1941, but also the broader significance of that day in shaping the course of World War II and the nation's history. The memorial provides a tangible connection to the past and offers a space for visitors to contemplate the impact of war and the importance of striving for peace.

The site is managed by the National Park Service and receives millions of visitors each year, both from within the United States and around the world. Its historical significance, combined with its serene setting, makes it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in understanding the history of World War II and paying tribute to the heroes of that era.