USS Arizona (BB-39) Memorial
Honolulu
A Moving Tribute: Introduction to the USS Arizona Memorial
The USS Arizona Memorial stands as a solemn bridge over time, honoring the 1,177 sailors and Marines who lost their lives during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Floating directly above the sunken hull of the battleship, the memorial offers a unique space for reflection, education, and remembrance. It is the most visited attraction in Hawaii, drawing millions of people from around the globe to pay their respects.
The structure itself is an architectural marvel designed by Alfred Preis. Its distinctive silhouette—sagging in the middle but standing tall at either end—symbolizes initial American defeat and ultimate victory. The white concrete structure does not touch the ship itself, instead straddling it on pylons to preserve the sanctity of the underwater tomb.
Visitors reach the memorial via a Navy-operated shuttle boat, a short but quiet journey across the harbor that prepares the mind for the experience ahead. Once on board, the atmosphere is naturally hushed, allowing the sounds of the water and the wind to complement the gravity of the site. It is a place where history feels remarkably close to the surface.
Beyond the memorial itself, the visitor center serves as a gateway to the broader Pearl Harbor National Memorial. With museums, commemorative plaques, USS Missouri (BB-63), USS Bowfin, Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, and views of the harbor, it provides a comprehensive look at the events that brought the United States into World War II. It is an essential stop for anyone visiting Oahu who wishes to understand the legacy of the "date which will live in infamy."
Echoes of December: The History and Exhibits
The history of the USS Arizona begins long before the attack, as it was a Pennsylvania-class battleship launched in 1915. However, its legacy was forever sealed during the morning of the Japanese strike. Hit by several armor-piercing bombs, the ship suffered a catastrophic explosion in its forward magazine, causing it to sink in less than nine minutes and trapping the majority of its crew inside.
The decision to leave the ship at the bottom of the harbor transformed it into a permanent war grave. In the years following the war, efforts began to create a formal site of remembrance. President Dwight D. Eisenhower approved the creation of the memorial in 1958, and it was officially dedicated in 1962, ensuring that the sacrifice of the crew would never be forgotten by future generations.
At the Visitor Center, the "Road to War" and "Oahu 1941" galleries offer a deep dive into the geopolitical climate of the era. These exhibits use personal artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays to tell the story of the people who lived through the attack. They provide vital context, showing how life in Hawaii changed overnight and the massive mobilization that followed.
Inside the memorial’s Shrine Room, the focus shifts to the individuals. The names of those who perished are engraved on a massive marble wall, categorized by rank. Occasionally, you may see additional names added to separate plaques; these belong to survivors of the Arizona who chose to have their ashes interred with their shipmates after they passed away, reuniting them with their brothers-in-arms.
The Phenomenon of the "Black Tears"
One of the most poignant sights at the memorial is the "Black Tears of the Arizona." These are small droplets of oil that continually leak from the battleship's fuel tanks and float to the surface of the harbor. Even after more than 80 years, the ship continues to release these iridescent slicks, which many visitors view as a symbolic representation of the ship's ongoing mourning for its lost crew.
Environmental studies are conducted regularly to ensure the oil doesn't harm the harbor's ecosystem, but there are currently no plans to stop the leaks. The oil serves as a literal, physical connection to the morning of the attack. Many veterans and locals believe the ship will continue to "bleed" until the very last survivor of the USS Arizona has passed away.
The Symbolism of the 21 Windows
The architecture of the USS Arizona Memorial is rich with hidden meaning, most notably in the "Assembly Room." This central area features 21 windows—seven on each side and seven across the ceiling. This specific number was chosen to represent a 21-gun salute, the highest honor rendered by the military to signify respect for the fallen.
These windows do more than provide light; they offer framed views of the harbor and the wreckage below. As you look through them, you are invited to contemplate the peace of the present day against the chaos of the past. The open-air design ensures that visitors are always connected to the environment where the tragedy occurred, feeling the tropical breeze and hearing the waves.
The Survivor Interments
A unique and deeply moving tradition associated with the memorial is the interment of survivors. Any crew member who was aboard the USS Arizona on the day of the attack has the right to be buried within the ship upon their passing. Divers from the National Park Service and the Navy perform a ceremony where the veteran's urn is placed inside the barbette of Gun Turret Four.
This tradition allows survivors to return to their ship and rest eternally with their fellow sailors. It is a powerful testament to the bond formed among the crew during the tragedy. Seeing the names of these men on the plaques in the Shrine Room reminds visitors that the history of the Arizona is not just about a ship, but about a living community of heroes.