Step Back In Time At The Pearl Harbor Memorial
Respect & Honor
“History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again.” – Maya Angelou
Step Back In Time At The Pearl Harbor Memorial
Taking some time to tour the Pearl Harbor Memorial is a must do while you are visiting Oahu, Hawaii.
Walk through the footsteps of our fallen on the dark day of December 7th, 1941. Show your respect at the USS Arizona Memorial, explore the Mighty Missouri Battleship, experience the Bowfin Submarine, delve in to the Aviation Museum and much more at the Pearl Harbor Memorial.
My hopes for you reading this is that you feel the depth of what I and so many others have experienced with this trek back through a sad part of our American History.
I also wish that this article fills you with appreciation for those that have fought and died for our freedoms here and abroad. We owe them everything.
*Hint: The best way to make sure you have the best Hawaiian Vacation is to utilize a Travel Agent.
Respect & Honor
Step Back In Time At The Pearl Harbor Memorial
When Was The Bombing Of Pearl Harbor?
Pearl Harbor was bombed on December 7th, 1941 around 7:55am.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt's December 8th Speech
Yesterday, December 7th, 1941 — a date which will live in infamy — the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.
The full speech President Roosevelt gave on December 8th, 1941 is below.
“Yesterday, December 7th, 1941 — a date which will live in infamy — the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.
The United States was at peace with that nation, and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its Government and its Emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific.
Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in the American island of Oahu, the Japanese Ambassador to the United States and his colleague delivered to our Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message. And while this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or of armed attack.
It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time the Japanese Government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.
The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian Islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. I regret to tell you that very many American lives have been lost. In addition, American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.
Yesterday the Japanese Government also launched an attack against Malaya.
Last night Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong.
Last night Japanese forces attacked Guam.
Last night Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands.
Last night the Japanese attacked Wake Island.
And this morning the Japanese attacked Midway Island.
Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday and today speak for themselves.
The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation.
As Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy, I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense.
But always will our whole nation remember the character of the onslaught against us. No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory.
I believe that I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost but will make it very certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger us.
Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory and our interests are in grave danger.
With confidence in our armed forces—with the unbounding determination of our people—we will gain the inevitable triumph—so help us God.
I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December 7th, 1941, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire.”
-President Franklin D. Roosevelt
Respect & Honor
Step Back In Time At The Pearl Harbor Memorial
Pearl Harbor National Memorial
First off, please treat the Pearl Harbor Memorial on Oahu with respect. Many of our service men died here for our freedom. Don’t make yourself look like an Ass!
Visiting Pearl Harbor will humble you. Be ready to experience all 7 stages of grief as you tour this memorial. No Joke. I bet you will agree with me on this once you are able to reflect on your day at the Pearl Harbor Memorial.
For those who are unaware of these emotions and characteristics, I have compiled a breakdown for you below.
- Mourning
- Sadness
- Confusion
- Discomfort
- Sadness
- Guilt
- Desperation
- Betrayed
- Anger
- Resentment
- Bargaining
- Stubbornness
- Depression
- Heavy
- Crushed
- Frustrated
- Strengthened
- Motivated
- Awakened
- Inspired
- Determined
- Refreshed
- Hopeful
- Comforted
- Relaxed
- Secure
*Expect to spend at least a half day here. If you visit the Aviation Museum as well (please do), set a full day aside.
Respect & Honor
Step Back In Time At The Pearl Harbor Memorial
U.S.S. Arizona Memorial
Tickets can be bought on or online prior to visiting. The tickets are $1.00 for the USS Arizona Memorial and it’s actually a reservation. The entire memorial is free with this exception. I recommend getting your reservation on line prior to your visit, to be safe, because the time slots fill up.
They would like you to arrive 1 hour before your reservation ticket time to give you time to park and pick up your ticket. Don’t show up less than 30-minutes before your scheduled time though because they’ll let an alternate or someone with a later time wanting an earlier time into the theatre in your spot and you will have to get another reservation, if they have any.
Once you are finished with the history and instruction in the theatre you will move to a line for the ferry to the USS Arizona. There was very little talking and if there was it was in hushed whispers out of respect.
The white Arizona Memorial stands like a tombstone on the harbor, straddling the water that blankets the sunken USS Arizona.
Respect & Honor
Step Back In Time At The Pearl Harbor Memorial
Once you exit the ferry and stop onto the deck of the memorial which acts as headstone for so many, a heavy heart feeling comes over you. As you witness the oil that is still bubbling up from below from the Arizona, tears may whelm up or you fight to act as if they’re not.
It just all becomes very real in an instant, the feelings and honor of being able to be here is overwhelming. Almost as if you can feel the presence of the ones attacked here, the ones who met terror here, the ones who needlessly passed here. I’m even getting goose bumps as I write this.
At the back of the Arizona Memorial, you will see engraved in to the marble wall, all of the names of the men that met their fate on that day, December 7th, 1941 morning and what ship they perished on/in (picture lower left).
You’ll also notice 2 white marble coffins on either side of the white marble steps leading up to the wall of names. Veterans of the Pearl Harbor attack that escaped the murderous onslaught have their remains cremated after they pass. Divers take the remains to be buried down below with their fallen comrades, where they feel they belong. These are the names you see engraved on the two marble coffins (picture lower right).
Once you’re done here, take a look over both sides of the headstone (the memorial). You are still able to see the top of the submarine and this is where you’ll be able to witness the oil still seeping up from the sunken ship, coming to rest as a film on the water.
Finally, take a look around before you begin to get back on the ferry, and you will also notice where each of the other ships were laid to rest. Breath in, close your eyes, say a prayer and thank them for their ultimate sacrifice.
Respect & Honor
Step Back In Time At The Pearl Harbor Memorial
The Mighty Missouri Battleship
The best part of the Pearl Harbor Memorial, 2nd only to the USS Arizona and sitting only 500 yards away, is a battleship, The Mighty Missouri or “Mighty Mo”. It’s so awesome with its
The battleship wasn’t in Pearl Harbor on that ill-fated morning on December 7th, 1941. The Mighty Missouri didn’t even enter the fight until 3 years later on June 11th, 1944 but was instrumental in our WWII’s battles in the Pacific and symbolizes the hope, unity and victory the devastation ultimately led to.
Why Is The Mighty Missouri So Important to Pearl Harbor?
So, why is the USS Missouri (BB 63) part of the Pearl Harbor Memorial?
On September 2nd, 1945 at 8:56am, in the harbor that served as the beginning of WWII for the United States, allied sailors witnessed General MacArthur and the former Minister of Japan, Mamoru Shigemitsu, signed the Instrument of Surrender, marking the end of the War in the Pacific. This earned the battleship its place in Pearl Harbor and a signal to our fallen that we have prevailed and they may now rest.
Respect & Honor
Step Back In Time At The Pearl Harbor Memorial
Walk in General MacArthur’s Footsteps.
You are entering a portal to the past when you climb aboard the USS Missouri Battleship. Walk through the footsteps of General MacArthur and the sailors that manned this robust fighting machine.
Try to imagine being one of the 2,700 to 3,000 men, including 132 officers and 53 Marines, aboard this ship in 1944.
Experience your meekness standing next to the extreme 16-inch, 50-caliber guns that demand the Mighty Missouri’s deck. These guns were capable of firing 2,700-pound armor-piercing shells able to penetrate their target as far as 46,000 yards or 23 miles away.
Check out the view from the Captain’s chair and then walk below deck and inspect the crew’s quarters and mess hall. Appreciate the impressive closeness of this area. Remember, there were up to 3,000 men on a mission down here.
How Much Are the Tickets To The Mighty Missouri?
- Adults (Ages 13 and Up:) $29.99
- Children (Ages 12 and under): $13.99
- Kama’aina and Military discounts are available with valid ID.
*Please Note: Pearl Harbor administrators have been asking for you to book tickets at admissions counter but make sure to check with them or your trusted Travel Agent if you have questions.
Respect & Honor
Step Back In Time At The Pearl Harbor Memorial
USS Bowfin (SS287) Submarine
The Bowfin Submarine is located in Oahu’s Pearl Harbor, across from the Mighty Missouri Battleship and echoes its story from deep within.
Why is the USS Bowfin nicknamed the Pearl Harbor Avenger?
The USS Bowfin (SS287), a fleet attack submarine joined its rightful place in Pearl Harbor in 1980. Although she wasn’t present in the attack at Pearl Harbor, it’s only fitting she came to rest here with a given nickname, “Pearl Harbor Avenger”.
The Bowfin was born with its keel being laid on July 23rd, 1942.
Now, this is where she becomes special… she was launched exactly 1 year to the day of the Pearl Harbor attack, December 7th, 1942, hence the prolific nickname, “Pearl Harbor Avenger”. The Bowfin was then commissioned on May 1st, 1943.
The Joint Army-Navy credits the USS Bowfin with the sinking of 16 large vessels and 2 smaller crafts while the 4 commanding officers that oversaw the Bowfin during WWII estimate the destruction much higher at more like the sinking of 34 larger enemy vessels and 10 smaller crafts. Either way, the USS Bowfin was a fierce underwater fighting machine for the United States.
Respect & Honor
Step Back In Time At The Pearl Harbor Memorial
How was Life below deck on the Bowfin Submarine?
Weighing in at 1,810 tons on the surface and 2,415 tons submerged, the Bowfin is only 311 feet and 9.8 inches long with an unfathomable 70 men (7 officers and 63 enlisted) living and working within its sturdy curved body.
As you discover the awesomeness on this marvel, could you fathom being one of the original 70 men (7 officers and 63 enlisted) living and working in this vessel?
Once you enter the WWII veteran submarine from the top hatch and acquainted with your new tiny surroundings, you mildly make your way through and shortly find yourself in a packed sleeping cabin.
Folded up cots line the walls and down the middle of what is more of a pill bottle than a sleeping area. At this point, you can’t help but to imagine yourself here with some odd 70 un-showered men moving about in such close quarters.
All of the sudden sharing a room with you brother and/or sister is put into perspective. Doesn’t seem that bad anymore, does it?
Respect & Honor
Step Back In Time At The Pearl Harbor Memorial
Getting accustomed to the small space of the Bowfin, it only gets smaller as you move yourself closer to the torpedo chamber in the rear. I’m guessing a pre-requisite for serving on this ship would be that you couldn’t be claustrophobic. EEhhk.
As you exit the USS Bowfin (SS287) by climbing up through another hatch in the back of the submarine and breath the fresh air of the open, you have gained a new found respect, or at least I hope you have, for the sacrifices made by the men, our soldiers of the deep.
*There is an animated tour for this this adventure. You will need to pick up the headsets from kiosk outside the submarine. This is included with your Pacific Fleet Submarine admission.
How Much are the tickets for the Bowfin Submarine?
- Adults (Ages 13 and Up): $20.00
- Children (Ages 12 and under): $12.00
- Kama’aina and Military discounts are available with valid ID.
*Please Note: Pearl Harbor administrators have been asking for you to book tickets at admissions counter but make sure to check with them or your trusted Travel Agent if you have questions.
Respect & Honor
Step Back In Time At The Pearl Harbor Memorial
Aviation Museum
When people think of the attack on Pearl Harbor, they tend to think of the attack on the harbor itself but let us not forget that the attack continued inland to the air base located on Oahu, just outside Pearl Harbor.
Hickman Airfield
The Japanese bombers attacked Hickman, Wheeler and Ford Island Air Bases with Hickman, the only airfield large enough to house the B-77 Flying Fortress bombers, is the one to go down in history.
In 1935, Hickman Field was built as Hawaii’s main bomber base and airfield for the U.S. Army. Although the Japanese Pearl Harbor attack’s main purpose was to take out America’s battleships and aircraft carriers a second wave of Japanese high bomber, and dive bomber aircrafts were sent to also destroy the airfield to prevent a counter attack.
With 189 people killed and another 303 wounded during this wave, Hickman airfield suffered extensive damage and lost 167aircrafts with another 161 aircrafts were damaged.
*These numbers differ depending on the source.
Respect & Honor
Step Back In Time At The Pearl Harbor Memorial
Airborne
This being Sunday morning, December 7th and aircraft refueling wasn’t due until Monday morning, the majority of the American fleet were in desperate need of fuel. Scrambling, several P-56 aircraft were able to get off the ground from Wheeler Airbase and P-40 Warhawks took off from Bellows Field.
Once the Japanese Imperial announced that “total surprise” had been achieved, the Japanese fleet scattered, shooting any lone grounded planes unaware of the now stalking American P-56s that took flight and P-40s that survived. were in the air now stalking them.
Both Flying P-40 Warhawks, George Welch and Kenneth Taylor were accredited for shooting 8 planes, Welch with 4 and Taylor with 2 verified and 2 possible downed. Welch and Taylor’s heroism on that day is expressed in the popular World War II movie, “Pearl Harbor” when Ben Affleck and Josh Hartnett take to the skies under fire from the Japanese
At Peral Harbor’s Aviation Museum, you are able to re-live history with the 50+ different aircrafts on display as will walk through that fateful day, December 7th, 1941. Take a look around and you’ll notice the pot marks left behind from bombs that fell at the same time the USS Arizona was taking on water.
How much do the tickets to the Aviation Museum Cost?
- Adults (Ages 13 and Up): $25.00
- Children (Ages 12 and under): $12.00
- Kama’aina and Military discounts are available with valid ID.
*Please Note: Pearl Harbor administrators have been asking for you to book tickets at admissions counter but make sure to check with them or your trusted Travel Agent if you have questions.
Respect & Honor
Step Back In Time At The Pearl Harbor Memorial
What Is The Pearl Harbor Passport?
I have included the admission costs for each of the above museums but there is also a Pearl Harbor Passport that is offered which includes the “Mighty Mo” Battleship, Blowfish Submarine as well as the Aviation Museum.
As explained above, the Arizona Memorial is not included with this pass because it is a $1.00 fee and you will still need a reservation or get there early. Please see Arizona Memorial.
Top 5 Armed Forces Inspirational Quotes
This article, Pearl Harbor, was hard to write but I am glad I did just as I was glad and humbled to visit Pearl Harbor. That being said, I wanted to leave you off with my Top 5 Quotes Armed Forces Inspirational Quotes.
- “These fallen heroes represent the character of a nation who has a long history of patriotism and honor — and a nation who has fought many battles to keep our country free from threats of terror.” – Michael N. Castle
2. “No man is entitled to the blessings of freedom unless he be vigilant in its preservation.” – Gen. Douglas MacArthur
3. “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.” – Nathan Hale
4. “We sleep safely at night because rough men stand ready to visit violence on those who would harm us.” – Winston S. Churchill
5. “The cost of freedom is always high, but Americans have always paid it. And one path we shall never choose, and that is the path of surrender, or submission.” – John F. Kennedy
Respect & Honor
Step Back In Time At The Pearl Harbor Memorial
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Get Started NowKnow Before You Go
- You are able to bring your camera and cell phones but bags can be secured for $6.00 to $7.50 at the visitor’s center.
- All admission prices may change so may sure to check prior to arrival.
- Each museum may have different hours of operation due to Covid restrictions so make sure to check prior to arrival so you make sure you have enough time for each museum.
- Expect to spend at least a half day here. If you visit the Aviation Museum as well (please do), set a full day aside.
- For more fun and information on visiting Oahu, Hawaii; check out You had me at Oahu.
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