Pearl Harbor is the top tourist site in Hawaii for a reason. Millions of tourists travel from all over the world to see The USS Arizona Memorial and learn more about where World War II took place. The memorial stands as a tribute to the brave men and women who lost their lives during the attack on Pearl Harbor. Today, it serves as an important symbol of remembrance for those that perished in one of America’s darkest days. Delve into this article and learn more about USS Arizona Memorial and its significance in history.
Highlights
- The memorial was dedicated to the 1,177 crew members who died when the USS Arizona battleship sank during the Pearl Harbor attack.
- Ride a boat and pay homage to those lost in battle and commemorate this solemn piece of American history.
- Visitors can observe oil still leaking from the hull of the ship. A reminder that some remains sealed within it.
- Take part in a moment of silence at noon during which all activity ceases aboard ships located in Pearl Harbor.
History
The USS Arizona Memorial was constructed in 1951, nearly 10 years after the fateful attack on Pearl Harbor. It is the final resting place for over 900 of the ship’s 1,177 crewmen who lost their lives on December 7, 1941 bombing by Japanese Naval Forces.
In 1950, Admiral Arthur Radford ordered that a flagpole be erected over the sunken battleship. A commemorative plaque was placed at the base of the flagpole. President Dwight D. Eisenhower approved the creation of the Memorial in 1958 and its construction was completed in 1961. The public funds were appropriated by Congress and private donations. The 184-foot-long memorial structure spanning the mid-portion of the sunken battleship was established to honor those who died in the attack. In 1980, it was designated a national monument by President Jimmy Carter. It was then included as part of the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument.
Exhibits and Tour
More than 1.7 million tourists from all over the world visit the USS Arizona Memorial each year. This makes it a must-see attraction for anyone traveling to Hawaii. Built atop the battleship’s sunken hull, this floating concrete structure honors those who gave their lives for the country. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by countless heroes throughout history.
Three main structures make up the memorial: an open-air gathering area for ceremonies, a circular shrine at one end honoring those who perished on board, and a museum with exhibits that narrate the story. Visitors can explore and learn from a variety of fascinating exhibits and excursions at the USS Arizona Memorial. There is a Museum Gallery with exhibits that recount the events of Pearl Harbor for visitors who are interested in the memorial’s history. You can investigate items from the sinking battleship and look at pictures from the assault here. A documentary about Pearl Harbor also adds more context to this terrible chapter in American history.
In addition to exploring the museum, you can take a guided tour around the memorial site. Led by knowledgeable guides. This tour offers an intimate look at the USS Arizona. During your visit, observe oil still leaking from the hull of the ship—a reminder that some remains sealed within it. You can also take part in a moment of silence at noon during which all activity ceases aboard ships located in Pearl Harbor.
No matter how one chooses to experience it, visiting the USS Arizona Memorial is an unforgettable experience. It pays homage to those lost in battle and serves as an important reminder to never forget our past or those who gave their lives for us.
Tips When Visiting
- When visiting the USS Arizona Memorial it’s important to consider a few tips for making your experience more meaningful.
- Plan to spend at least two hours exploring the memorial, as this will provide you with enough time to visit all of the memorial’s attractions.
- Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothing, as part of your tour may involve walking through areas that are not wheelchair-accessible.
- Bring along water and snacks, as there are limited places around the memorial where food is available.
- Photography is not allowed during certain parts of their tour—such as inside the museum or while participating in the moment of silence—and should pay attention to any signs restricting pictures.
- Refrain from bringing anything that could serve as cover, such as bulky bags. Clutch wallets and iPad cases are not permitted.
- Donations are welcome and appreciated by those who maintain and operate it. All funds collected are used solely for preservation purposes and help ensure that this national monument continues to serve as a place of remembrance for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
The USS Arizona Memorial is located in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on the island of Oahu. It sits atop the sunken hull of the USS Arizona battleship, which was destroyed during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941.
The USS Arizona Memorial serves as a reminder of sacrifice and pays tribute to those who lost their lives during the attack on Pearl Harbor during World War II. It honors all those who served throughout the war and provides visitors with insight into one of America’s darkest days.
The USS Arizona Memorial was constructed in 1951, nearly ten years after the fateful attack on Pearl Harbor. It was dedicated to those who perished at sea and later designated a national monument by President Jimmy Carter in 1980 as part of the World War II Valor in Pacific National Monument.
The USS Arizona, sunk in Hawaii’s Pearl Harbor in a horrific 1941 attack, lies underwater, seen up-close by only a few divers a year. Despite the continuous oil leak—droplets known as the “Black Tears of the Arizona” from the ship, it was decided to let her remain at the bottom of the harbor despite environmental concerns.
Yes! There is an online virtual tour available for those unable to make it to Hawaii where thousands have experienced since its launch in 2020, allowing people all around the world to pay homage to those lost in battle and commemorate this solemn piece of American history from afar.
Visiting or learning about The USS Arizona Memorial provides us with an opportunity to reflect on our nation’s past while paying respect to those we have lost in battle. It allows us to appreciate how far we have come since then and provides us with hope for a brighter future ahead no matter where we are located across our great nation or around the world today.
How to Get to Arizona Memorial
The only way to get to this exquisitely designed floating memorial is via daily boat tours. The journey begins at the Navy base, where visitors board a National Park Service vessel that provides transportation to the memorial. It is about 15 minutes and provides visitors an opportunity to take in the beauty of the harbor as they approach this solemn site. The boats depart twice daily, at 8:30 am and 1:30 pm. For those who would want to have a tour on their own, tickets must be reserved online in advance, however this isn’t guaranteed. It is best to book a tour for a less hassle trip.
Wrapping it Up
Visiting this memorial provides you with an opportunity to reflect on the nation’s past. Before departing, make sure to pay your respects at the shrine where you can lay leis or flowers in memory of those who perished during this tragic event in American history. Interested to learn more about it? Book your USS Arizona Memorial tour now and immerse in the historical events of Pearl Harbor Hawaii.
