Vicki and I spent our 43rd anniversary visiting, and remembering, the incredible events that changed our world forever at Pearl Harbor. The banner above is the Memorial for the Arizona. Below are a few pictures from the visit… there are many more in the photo section of the site… (just click on the smaller memorial photo to get there immediately). Our anniversary occurred during Thanksgiving week… we were reminded how very much we have to be thankful for, and the incredible sacrifices made for all of us.
Visiting the Arizona memorial required a brief boat ride. All visitors had to remain seated at all times, with an atmosphere of reverence. Navy Sailors in Dress Whites crewed the boat. There was no doubt we were visiting a sacred place, a place that should not be forgotten.
Reverent boat ride to the Arizona Memorial
Inside the Arizona Memorial, on the far wall in a quiet area, all the names from the lost crew of the Arizona are permanently etched. Each crew member unknowingly made their ultimate sacrifice in the flash of an immediate and monumental explosion as an airborne Japanese armor piercing torpedo slashed the hull entering into, and exploding, one of the largest seaborne gun turrets ever made, with all its ordinance. It was an earthshaking explosion that brought instantaneous death to all on board. This, along with the entire “infamy” of the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, led President Eisenhower to declare war with the empire of Japan and began the United States’ direct engagement in WWII.
The solemn list of those who died on the Arizona
The young lady in the next pic, perhaps 8 years old, and her brother, a year or so older, laid flowers below the names of the fallen in memory of their lives and sacrifice. It was a precious moment. They did this quietly, not paying attention to the mingling visitors, and obviously not trying to attract attention to themselves. I wish I had been quicker with my camera. When they finished, the young boy stood tall, respectfully faced the names of the fallen, and as solemn as you can imagine for a 9 or 10 year old boy, saluted…
Flowers of respect and gratitude
I’ve been privileged to visit many “Never Forget” sites of the world. The Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington D.C., the Slave Castles of West Africa, and the Apartheid Museum in South Africa to name a few. These places are tremendous reminders, and reflections, of the human condition. I grew up as a military kid knowing that our global human family needs help - that we all live best free - and that freedom comes at a cost. The visit to the Arizona Memorial stirred up the same feelings of need, of brokenness, and ultimately of hope.
From the deck of the U.S.S. Bowfin
Next, we visited the U.S.S. Bowfin - the WWII diesel submarine chosen to represent the dozens of lost submarines, and thousands of submariners, who fought for the free world. Vicki’s father, who died a few years after we were married, served as a Marine in WWII in support of Navy efforts in the Pacific. Like many soldiers, he never spoke much about what he experienced there. But he rejoiced with the nation as the crisis came to an end. We’ve always been grateful for Vicki’s dad, and the family members of so many that have served in the confusing and challenging times of war.
The U.S.S. Bowfin
Submarines. Intrepid, silent warriors of the sea. The U.S.S. Bowfin is also moored in memorial. This is close to home. My father served in the Navy for 37 years - most of those years in the nuclear submarine force during the height of the Cold War. He eventually served as Captain of three different submarines: the USS Polk, Lafayette, and the Finback, leading 14 deterrent missions. Dad was also Captain of the L.Y. Spear, a sub-tender. He served in high level strategic positions following these commands. I am so grateful and proud of him for his service. His first submarine duty, prior to his nuclear service, was on board a Bowfin-class diesel. Born in August of 1930, Dad is now approaching 90, with a rich and honorable career history of influence and care.
“Mighty MO”
The Battleship Missouri - The last site of our Pearl Harbor visit. She is impressive beyond words - getting ready to celebrate 75 years service spanning from WWII, to the Gulf War, to her current service as a national memorial. The Missouri survived Pearl Harbor and was instrumental during the course of the ensuing years’ conflict. The Japanese forces surrendered after the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in early August, 1945. The surrender occurred on September 2, 1945 in Tokyo Bay on board this very ship, the Mighty Mo. General MacArthur led the brief procession and signing of the documents. In his speech he said “… it is for us, both victors and vanquished, to rise to that higher dignity which alone benefits the sacred purposes we are about to serve.”