Pearl Harbor

We started today bright and early with a visit to Pearl Harbor.  

Honestly I had no real interest in going to Pearl Harbor when we were discussing what we wanted to do on the trip but my Mom really really wanted to so I went along.  After I got there and did the whole tour, saw and heard all the stories, and the USS Arizona still submerged in the water I was very thankful that I did go.  It was worth getting up early and the few hours.

When you get there you have to get tickets for the boat over to the memorial and we had about an hour before it was our turn so we walked about the site.

There was old submarine and boat equipment for you to explore.

Kendall steering

An old torpedo 

Kendall exploring

There were several others vessels in the harbor as well.

The grounds where beautiful

We watched a 15-20 minute video on the history before the attack and a timeline of that day before we rode the boat over to the memorial.

The ride over is very solemn 

The entrance

Everyone there is almost completely quiet, just taking it all in.

I think the thing that I was shocked by was that you could look out and see it under the water.  Like right there not far away.  It was close to the surface.

More ship sticking out

There was a buoy to mark the bow and the stern of the ship.  It was huge!

 The ship is still leaking gas and/or oil.  They say is leaks about 2 gallons a day and should be done in about 10 more years!

 Group pic

 The entire back wall of the memorial was all the names of the soldiers that died.  One really interesting fact is that there have been 12 Pearl Harbor survivors that have since deceased and have had their remains entombed in the USS Arizona so that they can be with their fellow soldiers.  Super cool!

Grams and the girls with a Pearl Harbor survivor

It was an extremely educational morning.  I hope the girls will remember visiting here.  

Now on for the rest of the day!

Sorry for the picture over load but I want to remember it all when its printed out!