When the Japanese launched a sneak attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, President Franklin Roosevelt declared the day one “that will live in infamy.”
And so it has.
The flag flying over the USS Arizona Memorial.
Today, Pearl Harbor is one of Hawaii’s largest tourist attractions, drawing millions of people per year who come to pay their respects to the thousands of Americans — sailors, marines, and civilians alike — who lost their lives on that fateful morning.
I’ll devote another post to my visit to Pearl Harbor, including tips on visiting. But, for now, I just want to share some photos with you from my afternoon there. It’s both a beautiful and a somber place that really is a must-see if you’re in Honolulu.
It really was a gorgeous day to visit Pearl Harbor.
A monument to all the submarines that the U.S. lost in WWII.
Getting ready to go on the USS Bowfin submarine.
On deck the USS Bowfin.
The submarine memorial, as seen from the deck of the USS Bowfin.
These doorways were ridiculously tiny.
Lots of shiny things in the control room.
Another view of the USS Bowfin.
Each stone and plaque represents a sub lost in the war.
The submarine monument, with the USS Bowfin in the background.
Me at Pearl Harbor!
Arriving at the USS Arizona Memorial.
Entering the USS Arizona Memorial.
The memorial is very pretty architecturally.
The names of all those lost when the USS Arizona sank into Pearl Harbor.
Drops of oil are still leaking from the sunken USS Arizona, which you can see just below the surface.
People milling about the memorial.
The flag flying above the memorial.
The USS Missouri, where they signed the treaty to end WWII.
Departing from the USS Arizona Memorial.
The USS Missouri and the USS Arizona Memorial.
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If you want to check out all my photos so far from Hawaii, head over to my Facebook page.
And stay tuned for more from Hawaii!
Wow – great pictures…. and I’m so jealous of the weather – What a bright blue sky !!
Katherina recently posted.. The One on Where Im From
Thanks, Katherina! And yes, I’ve been really lucky with the weather so far! I’m really glad I caught Pearl Harbor on such an amazing day.
Some stunning photos there. Jealous of that sunny weather. It’s freezing here in South Korea.
Chris recently posted..First Impressions of Busan
Thank you, Chris! I’m happy with how a lot of them turned out (though I’m noticing that when I compressed them using iPhoto, there’s a bit of extra noise in a few of them which is really bugging me… But oh well).
Sorry that it’s so cold in South Korea! I’d offer to send you some of my sun, but I need it so badly after months of snow in Ohio!
Wow – How many names on the plaque of people that lost their lives?? Too many to mention. I would like a visit there. Probably one of the most famous historical places relating to World War two
Natalie recently posted..My Bodrum Road Trip – Part One
And that wall of names just represented the men who died on ONE SHIP during the attack. Over 1,500 of them. It really is a must-visit place!
great pics, I bet it is very moving, we really don’t have anything like that anywhere in the country … until this fall when the 9/11 memorial opens. That’s crazy about the oil still leaking!
Scott recently posted..Backpacker Would Hate to See Anything Happen to Nelson Mandela- But
Thanks, Scott! Yes, the 9/11 memorial I think will also be really, really moving. Thanks for checking these out!
great photo album! Have never been myself. Obviously need to put it on the list of places to go hit.
Michael Hodson recently posted..Photo of the Day- Devil’s Marbles- Australia
Thanks! I took way more photos than this; it’s a pretty photogenic place on a sunny day. And you should definitely put it on your list. It’s well worth a visit, even if you only hit up the stuff that’s free!
Awesome photo essay – I don’t think I’ve ever seen any pictures of Pearl Harbour before…thanks for a great tour =)
Andrea recently posted..Foodie Finds in Queenstown- New Zealand
Thanks, Andrea! I’m getting the feeling that not a whole lot of travel bloggers hit up Hawaii… Which just means I have a lot to write about! Hopefully I can convince others that Honolulu can absolutely be done on a budget.
I’ve been watching the TV series the pacific recently, which is all about the war in the Pacific between the US and the Japanese. It’s pretty interesting stuff, and obviously this was where it all started. Interesting to see.
Laurence recently posted..Essential free software for travellers
I’ve heard that series is really good! And yes, this is where it all started for the U.S. Watching some of the first-hand accounts and videos from people who survived the attack was pretty moving. Nothing like this had ever happened before in the U.S. (being attacked on our own soil in modern times), and has never happened again. So it’s definitely interesting to see in-person.
Great photos Amanda… only 169 days until we get to see it all for ourselves!
Kieron recently posted..Shit just got real!
Thank you, Kieron! Can’t wait to read about your trip! I plan to write some practical posts for traveling in Hawaii (like how to get around using the bus, what to see at Pearl Harbor, etc.). So make sure you check all those out!
Beautiful photos! This is on our list of places we’d like to visit. Look forward to reading your tips on visiting…I’m sure it can be crowded since it gets so many visitors each year!
Sarah V. recently posted..Photo Friday- Alwyn Court
Thank you! Yes, it can get crowded. But it actually wasn’t nearly as bad as I expected it to be! Glad to know it’s on your list.