USS Arizona Memorial

Welcome, scholars and travelers, to the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, located roughly eight miles north of the bustling streets of hah-noh-loo-loo. As a historian, I find there are few places on earth that command the immediate…

Before we approach the water, it is intellectually imperative that we understand the geopolitical climate that precipitated the attack. I invite you to step into the two primary exhibit galleries located here at the visitor…

Let us walk toward the edge of the harbor, where the concrete meets the water, and take a moment to survey the broader landscape of this historic naval base. As you gaze out over the dark blue waters toward Ford Island, try to…

Our journey to the memorial itself begins here at the theater. Before boarding the naval ferry, all visitors are required to view a powerful twenty-three minute documentary film. …

We have now disembarked the ferry and are standing upon the USS Arizona Memorial. The architecture of this space, dedicated in nineteen sixty-two, is brilliantly symbolic and merits our close scholarly attention. …

Step forward into the central area of the structure, known as the Assembly Room. Here, the floor opens up, allowing you to gaze directly down into the translucent, blue-green waters of the harbor. …

We now move to the furthest and most sacred section of the memorial, The Shrine Room. As you pass through the threshold, you will feel a subtle shift in the atmosphere. …

As our time on the memorial draws to a close, we step back out into the bright Hawaiian sunlight to await the arrival of our return ferry. Before we board, take one final, sweeping look across the harbor. …