Visiting Pearl Harbor: The Past, Present and Our Future

Remember Pearl Harbor: A Day That Will Live in Infamy

We do not make any money for recommending a visit to Pearl Harbor.  

December 7th, 1941

Pearl Harbor was a moment that change the course of history for the United States.  America entered the war, having been directly attacked by Japan in a moment of horror across the Pacific Islands.

Interestingly enough though...Hawaii was not yet a state.  She wouldn't become a state until 1959, 18 years after the attack on Pearl Harbor.

As we share the series of traveling to Hawaii, we hope to unlock its history and people for you.  Understanding Hawaii's past and its role in history defines the island as so much more than a popular tourist attraction.  

Pearl Harbor is the start of this journey.

Located on the southeastern side of the island, Pearl Harbor sat as the military stronghold of the Pacific.  As the war in Europe continued, the Pacific was beginning to see more unrest.  Japan had begun to make moves throughout the Pacific Islands, and Hawaii became the focus for attacking the United States

World War II heavily focus' on Germany's march across Europe, yet the Pacific was fought with just as much force.  A war with battles fought across both oceans touching America's shores.  We sometimes forget how vast WWII reached, and how many men and women were needed to engage in such a large conflict.

Pearl Harbor's attack itself was significant.  Military protocols changed because of the attack itself.  At the time of the attack, battleships were docked end to end, side by side.  This made for easy targets, as well as difficult rescues. It would also be the last time father's and sons served together on the same ship, as women lost both in moments that day.

​The Arizonia stands out among them.  Due to a well-placed bomb, she instantly blew, sinking rapidly and entombing the men aboard.

She now sits as a National Cemetary.  83 years later, oil still seeps out of the ballast to the surface, reminding us of the ship she use to be.  The sea water continues to wear away at her, and the sand below settles across the decks, burying the history below.

Yet, people remember.  It was not the busy tourist site from 20 years ago, when the Greatest Generation was alive and making pilgrimages to the place that took them to war.  Pearl Harbor was their 9/11, and they flocked to the memorial when it opened.

Instead, it's a serene calling to those who long to understand history.  The grounds are well kept.  The history is provided as your tour.  The ferry runs smoothly out to the Memorial, run by active-duty service men and women who have committed their time to ensuring those who lost their lives are honored every day, as well as those who lived.

As time has passed, there were those who were stationed on the Arizonia who lived that day.  Men who had been on shore at the time of the attack, missing the moment costing their crewmates their lives.

These men are now returning back to the Arizonia.  The United States has allowed the ashes of these men to be buried below sea, alongside their countrymen from years ago.  Their names have been added to the Memorial wall at the back, granting them eternal rest within the ship they had served before she was taken.

It's the part of the past, and the moment of the present, that should make you take pause to look towards the future.  83 years have passed, and these men requested to go home to the Arizonia.  An entire lifetime of living, and a moment etches itself so deeply into you are connected to it for eternity. 

​That's a long time.

What happens when the last of the men are buried here?  What happens to the history of an event so significant it changed the face of the globe?  What does our future look like?  

Who will share their story for future generations?  Stories of bravery, loyalty, and love that have lasted almost a century?

It's our journey to share these pieces of history with you.  We're teaching you small moments in history to hold on to, so they are not lost in the wind as time changes.  We visited Pearl Harbor to learn as well as to remember. 

​To remember our grandparents and family members who were directly connected with WWII. 

To remember those who lost their lives fighting for what they believed in.

To remember how quickly the world can change, even on the most peaceful days, in the most incredible places.

Remember Pearl Harbor.  It's $1 to enter the National Cemetary, with at least two hours of things to do.  They book up fast, so it's important to plan ahead.  Make the most of your day their, and plan to spend time diving into the history of Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, and the Hawaiian Islands.

History can be repeated. 

Let's work hard to learn enough to ensure that's not.