USS Arizona Memorial: Pearl Harbor's Silent Witness
5 min read
04 Sep 2024
The USS Arizona Memorial, located in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, stands as a solemn tribute to the sailors and Marines who lost their lives during the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. This iconic memorial, resting above the sunken battleship, serves as a powerful reminder of the events that catapulted the United States into World War II.
The Attack on Pearl Harbor
On that fateful Sunday morning in 1941, Japanese aircraft launched a devastating attack on the U.S. Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor. The USS Arizona, a battleship, was among the ships targeted. A bomb struck the ship, causing a massive explosion and ultimately leading to its sinking. Over 1,100 crew members perished aboard the USS Arizona, making it one of the most significant losses of life during the attack.
The Design of the Memorial
The USS Arizona Memorial was designed by architect Alfred Preis and was officially dedicated on May 30, 1962. It spans the sunken remains of the USS Arizona and consists of a white, open-air structure with a central assembly room. The design is meant to evoke a sense of serenity and reflection. Visitors reach the memorial by boat, symbolizing the journey to pay respects to those entombed within the sunken battleship.
The Shrine Room
Within the memorial, the central assembly room, known as the Shrine Room, features a wall inscribed with the names of the crew members who lost their lives on the USS Arizona. A small window in the floor allows visitors to peer down into the submerged wreckage, where oil still seeps from the ship, often referred to as the "tears of the Arizona." It is a poignant reminder of the ship's resting place and the lives lost.
A Place of Reflection
The USS Arizona Memorial is a place for reflection and remembrance. Visitors from around the world come to pay their respects and honor the memory of those who perished. The memorial also serves as a symbol of reconciliation and peace between the United States and Japan, as both nations have worked to ensure that the lessons of Pearl Harbor are not forgotten.
Preserving the USS Arizona
Preserving the integrity of the USS Arizona and the memorial is an ongoing effort. The National Park Service operates and maintains the site, ensuring that it remains a place of historical significance and respect. Efforts are made to prevent further oil leakage from the ship and to protect its structural stability.
Conclusion
The USS Arizona Memorial stands as a silent witness to the events of Pearl Harbor and a tribute to the lives lost on that tragic day. As visitors stand on the memorial, looking down into the waters that cradle the sunken battleship, they are reminded of the cost of war and the importance of peace. The USS Arizona Memorial is a place where history, memory, and reflection converge, ensuring that the legacy of those who served and sacrificed lives on.
