A hatch opening on the USS Arizona taken at the memorial site located at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
I was fortunate enough to have an assignment on The Big Island of Hawaii a few years ago. I added a few extra days in Honolulu on the back end. My grandfather spent time on the USS Arizona, and often spoke of the memorial in vivid detail. The monument was always high on my “must visit” list, so I couldn’t wait to visit Pearl Harbor and experience the park myself.
As I write this, chills creep up my spine as I think back to my visit to the Arizona. I was amazed at how respectful everyone became as we approached and disembarked onto the monument. I can think of only one other time in my life I’ve ever witnessed such a show of reverence by a group of complete strangers—September 11, 2001. With images of the attack on Pearl Harbor still fresh in our minds from the historical film shown just prior to our Navy operated launch, the motto of the Pacific Historic Park never rang more true: Remember • Honor • Respect.
The monument itself is beautiful in its simplicity. The 184-foot-long, white structure spans the mid-portion of the sunken battleship and sits in stark contrast to the dark waters entombing the 1,177 crew and once mighty ship of the Pacific Fleet. The USS Arizona still weeps for her dead, releasing oil from her hull since her sinking on December 7, 1941.
The above photo of the hatch opening is one of my favorites from my visit to the hallowed waters.
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