Probably the most subdued I’ve been getting on the boat to travel the short distance to the memorial.
USS Arizona - After all this time . . .
- Thread starter CyValley
- Start date
I believe that the Enterprise was supposed to be a Pearl Harbor, but circumstances made them late, thus missing the attack and giving the US a little capacity to respond.
Yes. Here's a list of U.S. battleship museums and memorials.
These Are 10 Of The Mightiest Battleships Preserved As Museums Around The USA
The United States is home to an impressive amount of preserved battleships, and they can be found all around the country.
www.thetravel.com
Great personal story.
From readings, the U.S. Navy was on edge sailing into Japanese waters following the surrender agreement (August 14 or 15, iirc). Missouri followed by Iowa sailed, warrily, into the Inland Sea under battle stations, with only three or four small escorts, on August 30, 1945. (Photo below.)
What a time.
Missouri (left) and Iowa exchanging sailors and material while underway headed for Japanese home waters.
Attachments
Boring memories incoming…
When I was 14 I went to Pearl Harbor with my family and they showed a brief video before you would walk out and see the Arizona beneath the water. What stood out to me is that the host told folks to be respectful of others since they could have been a part of the PH attack or could have lost family members. That was sobering to a kid that has no concept of war and death.
The most poignant memory was seeing oil still dripping up from the Arizona and break on the surface of the water. Even after all these years. That and knowing there’s still sailors buried beneath with the ship. It must have been just a horrific day.
When I was 14 I went to Pearl Harbor with my family and they showed a brief video before you would walk out and see the Arizona beneath the water. What stood out to me is that the host told folks to be respectful of others since they could have been a part of the PH attack or could have lost family members. That was sobering to a kid that has no concept of war and death.
The most poignant memory was seeing oil still dripping up from the Arizona and break on the surface of the water. Even after all these years. That and knowing there’s still sailors buried beneath with the ship. It must have been just a horrific day.
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Yes. I’ve never been to the Tomb of the Unknowns in DC, but I’m guessing it’s just as solemn. When we were at the Arizona Memorial, you literally could hear a pin drop from the time we got on the transport until we left. Awe-inspiring and sad at the same time.
IIRC, there were 3 CVs assigned to Pearl Harbor. One was at Puget Sound for work, one (or two?) were delivering aircraft to Wake Island. (I sure could have this wrong.)
The carriers missing from Pearl Harbor and maybe the Japanese failing to take out the huge fuel tanks and repair yards were decisive.
I visited Kaneohe once and Hickam AFB a couple of times. The great thing about Hawaii not a bad base anywhere. Thanks for serving.
Thank u as well. I’ll never forget getting McDonald’s my first time and a Big Mac meal was 13.25 in the 90’s. I about fell on the floor
We spent an entire day at Pearl back in 2018 when we went out for the Maui invitational; spent 5 days on Maui and 5 on Oahu. We took the time to go through all of the exhibits, reading the plaques. Sadly, the one thing we were NOT able to do was step out onto the Arizona memorial. There had been damage to the stairs and they had not yet been repaired. Our excursion boat went over and around the ship itself, but couldn't dock at the memorial.
I remember (kind of) coming out of Moose McGuillicuttys late at night and stumbling next door to Burger King and the sticker shock was astounding. You know as well as I do they don’t pay very well In the service.
Wow. Never knew that there were so many political maneuvers related to these historical events.
I visited the Arizona memorial in 2008. One of truly humbling experiences in my life that I won't ever forget.
I can attest to these subdued feelings. My family visited the Arizona when my children were young. My eight year old daughter requested from the Ranger to release her orchid lei into the ocean. He permitted it as long as she did not release the string. Dozens of adults stood quietly by and watched with tears in their eyes as the petals floated away from the dock.
I agree with @CycloneRulzzz. Unforgettable and humbling experience.
Visit the graves at Gallipoli. Feel the humility.
Or the American Cemetery in Tunis.
Or, closer to home. Arlington National. I'm only 53 and I have seven friends there.
They should all leave you stunned.
Or the American Cemetery in Tunis.
Or, closer to home. Arlington National. I'm only 53 and I have seven friends there.
They should all leave you stunned.
The tomb of the unknown is overwhelming. The solemnity is so powerful. I have gone to the tomb in my dress uniform and seen ceremonies that evoke feelings that are akin to spiritual moments.
