The Columbine Memorial: A Quiet Place to Reflect & Remember
The Columbine massacre remains etched in our collective memory due to its unprecedented nature and the unfathomable evil that unfolded.
But if you are ever in the Denver area, there is a memorial offering an opportunity to honor the victims, engage in introspection, and commemorate this tragedy in a way that rekindles optimism and compassion.
Below, I’ll share with you how you can visit this memorial and what to expect.
What is the Columbine Memorial?
The Columbine Memorial honors and remembers the victims of the tragic school shooting that occurred at Columbine High School on April 20, 1999. The memorial was officially dedicated on September 21, 2007, and today it serves as a place of reflection, healing, and remembrance for those affected by the devastating event.
Where is the Columbine Memorial?
The Columbine Memorial is located in Robert F. Clement Park in Littleton, Colorado.
The park is full of open spaces, baseball fields, and other facilities like a skate park but from the main parking lots you should be able to find signs pointing you towards the memorial which is located along a paved path.
Be aware that on the memorial grounds, no pets are allowed and there is an expectation that you will act respectfully by not doing things like playing music, talking on the phone, etc.
Visiting the Columbine Memorial
As you enter the sacred grounds of the memorial, you’ll notice an inner and an outer ring.
The outer ring is known as the “Wall of Healing” and is dedicated to those “who were injured at Columbine High School and to all who were touched by the tragic events of April 20, 1999.”
Engraved stones with powerful quotes from students, parents, community members and others express a range of emotions and sentiments connected to the tragedy. As you would expect, many of these are quite moving.
Together, the engravings express a collective sense of determination, resilience, faith, and remembrance, and give you an idea of how these events directly impacted the lives of many. For some messages, there are probably hundreds or thousands of people who were impacted the same way.
If it’s your first time visiting the memorial, consider walking along the Wall of Healing first. It sort of prepares you emotionally for what’s to come.
In the middle of the memorial you’ll find the inner circle, known as the “Ring of Remembrance” where the 13 people who lost their life are remembered. The victims’ families were requested to offer some type of heartfelt expression that would honor their loved one and these precious words were engraved in stone.
The inscriptions are incredibly moving and you’ll have a heavy heart as you move from one to the next. You can sense both the pride and the pain from the parents who were forced to deal with the void left in their hearts. As you quietly move along, allow yourself to be touched by the magnitude of their loss and examples of their strength.
The victims remembered here include:
Cassie Bernall, 17
Steven Curnow, 14
Corey DePooter, 17
Kelly Fleming, 16
Matthew Kechter, 16
Daniel Mauser, 15
Daniel Rohrbough, 15
Rachel Scott, 17
Isaiah Shoels, 18
John Tomlin, 16
Lauren Townsend, 18
Kyle Velasquez, 16
Dave Sanders, 47 (teacher)
In the middle of the ring of remembrance, a large “Never Forgotten” ribbon designed by Kyle Velasquez’s parents, Al and Phyllis, stands out.
There’s a path that wraps around the Memorial and takes you atop of a hill that overlooks the memorial.
As you make your way to the top of the overlook, with Columbine High School visible in the background, it’s really hard to not think about how these events shaped our modern society.
Since 1999, there have been many school shootings.
But the shooting at Columbine stands out for a few reasons.
For one, it was one of the deadliest school shootings and the first one that I remember making major news. As a mere fifth-grader, I sat mesmerized, eyes glued to the television screen, as the haunting images on the news replayed before me—students, their hands raised, forced to exit the high school in single-file lines.
It was a seismic event and one of the first times I remember ever being truly stunned by what I was watching unfold — something that I think that a lot of people of my generation felt. It was almost like 9/11 in the sense that you remembered exactly where you were when you heard the news.
Another reason this tragic event remains seared in our collective consciousness is the unfathomable nature of the evil that unfolded. It defies comprehension to think that two high school students could conspire together to execute such an unthinkable act.
As one plaque stated:
It’s truly beyond belief and if you ever read any excerpts from the journals of the shooters (which I don’t advise), you’ll realize the twisted mindset that drove them.
Walking away from the memorial, a profound wave of empathy washed over me for the victims’ families and I found myself contemplating why these things have continued to happen over the years.
There were school shootings before Columbine dating back to the 1960s and 70s but it’s always felt like the Columbine shooting opened up a Pandora’s box of a particular type of youthful evil.
Undoubtedly, lots of factors contribute to these harrowing events, including mental illness, accessibility to weapons, exposure to violence, and childhood trauma, among many others.
The root cause of these events has of course fueled debates that have become intensely politicized.
But politics aside, I think one thing that everyone can agree on is that we all should remain as vigilant as possible.
Stay observant, be attentive to your surroundings, and never hesitate to voice any concerns or suspicions. Equally important is to take all reported suspicions seriously.
Take into account that an analysis backed by the Department of Justice, which examined 51 school shooting incidents that were prevented, found that peers were most likely to discover and eventually report plans of an attack, making them crucial to shutting them down.
In fact, in one study the Secret Service found at least one other person knew the shooter was thinking about a possible attack 81 percent of the time.
In the case of Columbine, there were unfortunately lots of red flags and some missed opportunities to potentially thwart this tragedy, including warnings that were not thoroughly investigated even though they had been reported to police.
These type of lapses have led to organizations like Safe2Tell, which allow students to report threats anonymously in order to prevent harm to others. And of course, many other efforts around the nation have been put forth since 1999, from threat assessment teams to SEL programs.
Still, with all of the school shootings that continue taking place, it can feel like progress isn’t happening, at least not quick enough. You almost get numb to hearing about another one of these incidents on the news, which is a sharp contrast to the initial shock many felt upon first seeing the footage of Columbine in 1999.
But that’s why these type of memorials are so important to visit. They serve as powerful reminders of the human lives lost, the impact on communities, and the importance of valuing human life. And hopefully, they help to reignite our commitment to preventing further violence.
Donating to the memorial
If you feel a particular connection to the events consider donating to the Columbine Memorial Foundation, a non-profit organization formed in March 2009 to maintain, repair, and provide improvements to the Columbine Memorial.
They are doing an excellent job at maintaining the memorial and any donation would only continue to further the mission. While the memorial is free to visit, the cost to maintain and provide improvements is estimated at $10,000 to $15,000/yr.
Final word
The Columbine Memorial in Littleton stands as a moving and solemn tribute to the victims of the tragic school shooting that occurred at Columbine High School on April 20, 1999. The memorial’s “Wall of Healing” and “Ring of Remembrance” reminds us of the ongoing pursuit for a safer world and I’d recommend anybody who is in the area to pay the memorial a visit.
Daniel Gillaspia is the Founder of UponArriving.com and creator of the credit card app, WalletFlo. He is a former attorney turned full-time credit card rewards/travel expert and has earned and redeemed millions of miles to travel the globe. Since 2014, his content has been featured in major publications such as National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine, Forbes, CNBC, US News, and Business Insider. Find his full bio here.
Why You Should Always Visit Memorials When Traveling
In the process of planning any travel itinerary, I usually carve out time to visit various memorials when possible.
The reason behind this deliberate choice is simple: I’ve discovered these outings to be some of the most rewarding travel experiences.
In this article, I will delve into the reasons why I think it’s a good idea to allocate time for exploring memorials and I’ll outline the numerous benefits you are likely to encounter along the way.
Memorials provide a place to embrace the human condition
One of the main reasons for visiting memorials is to offer a heartfelt tribute and pay your respects to individuals who have left their mark on history.
There is a profound sense of reverence that accompanies standing silently before a statue or wall inscribed with names of the fallen and taking a moment to honor and reflect. It is a deeply meaningful gesture that resonates with our innate sense of dignity and reverence.
In our fast-paced lives, these moments of pause and contemplation become even more essential. They remind us of the fragility of life and the resilience of the human spirit, offering a much-needed peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of our daily routines.
Memorials inspire gratitude
Memorials serve as poignant reminders of those who have passed away or endured immense pain and hardships.
When standing before the war memorials on DC’s National Mall, a deep and sincere sense of gratitude often washes over you.
It is a humbling experience that swiftly grants you perspective. Suddenly, the trivial worries and inconveniences of your daily life pale in comparison to the gut-wrenching fights and squalid conditions faced by soldiers on the battlefields of Iwo Jima and Okinawa.
In that moment, you gain a newfound appreciation for the blessings we often take for granted. You realize the preciousness of freedom and the irreplaceable value of your loved ones. It’s a reminder to embrace and cherish the precious aspects of our lives.
Memorials help us reflect on lessons from the past
Visiting memorials allows us to pause and contemplate the lessons learned from the past.
After exploring the Salem Witch Trial sites, I couldn’t help but to think about how easy it is to get caught up in a frenzy and how dangerous scapegoating can be.
Often times, when trying to figure out what is going wrong with ourselves, our family, or our community, we just go for the most convenient option (which is usually the one that makes us look the best).
However, this tendency can lead us astray. We may overlook the underlying complexities and root causes of our problems and dodge the difficult conversations and uncomfortable truths we need to face.
Like the people of 17th century Salem, we may fall into the trap of scapegoating — blaming others for our faults and problems instead of taking a hard look at ourselves and our society.
Visiting memorials like these can serve as a reminder of this important lesson and inspire us to take responsibility for our actions and their impact on others.
Memorials teach by immersing us in history
Memorials possess the potential to be profound teachers.
When standing at the hauntingly empty landscape of District Six in Cape Town, South Africa — where 60,000 residents were forcibly removed from their homes — I found myself absorbing the details of the events from our guide in a way that I never would from simply reading about it in a textbook.
Memorials — through their ability to evoke emotions and create immersive experiences — become powerful teachers, enabling us to grasp the significance of historical events on a more profound level.
Memorials spark dialogue and collective experiences
A lot of the experiences that come from visiting memorials is deeply personal and introspective. We look inside of ourselves to reflect and further our understanding of the world.
However, the impact of memorials extends beyond the individual.
They also serve as a catalyst for collective experiences and meaningful interactions with others.
As we share the space with fellow visitors, there is a sense of camaraderie. We’re all participants in the same journey of remembrance. Conversations naturally arise, sparked by the common ground we find in our shared experience.
These dialogues can be transformative. They provide an opportunity to exchange perspectives, share stories, and deepen our understanding of history and its implications for the present.
But sometimes dialogue isn’t even necessary.
Imagine the incredibly poignant site of a single elderly veteran standing before the reflective black granite at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
In these instances, we witness something that surpasses words. It prompts us to reflect on the individual’s unique perspective, the depth of their struggles, and the weight of the memories they carry, ultimately evoking a deep sense of empathy within us.
These encounters remind us that memorials are also focal points for shared understanding, where the gravity of history is felt and acknowledged, and where we can stand in solidarity with those who have borne the burdens of the past.
Memorials are beautiful and will move you in unexpected ways
From the initial concept to the groundbreaking, memorials often undergo numerous iterations and meticulous planning, sometimes spanning several years or even decades.
The careful consideration given to every aspect of their creation transforms memorials into visually captivating and meaningful sites, often rich in symbolism.
Each element, from the choice of materials to the placement of sculptures or inscriptions, contributes to the overall aesthetic and emotional impact. As a result, these memorials become not only places of remembrance but also visually stunning works of art.
The deliberate incorporation of symbolic elements inspire individuals to further explore the history and connect with the deeper meaning of the memorial. I recall visiting the bonfire memorial at Texas A&M University for the first time and seeing the symbolic portal of a fallen Aggie, Miranda Adams, purposefully facing towards her hometown of Santa Fe.
As I looked to the horizon I realized that the portal was also pointing in the direction of my own home, and the significance of the memorial became even more relatable and impactful.
Memorials can play a crucial role in bringing different elements of a story together. That’s because they serve as physical manifestations of history, condensing complex narratives and emotions into tangible forms.
When we stand before a memorial, we see the names, dates, and images that represent the individuals and events we have read or heard so much about.
Sometimes it’s a smaller-scale revelation like when we visited Fort McHenry and saw the actual “ramparts” mentioned in the Star-Spangled Banner.
But other times it’s making sense of a more complex event.
I vividly remember my visit to Pearl Harbor, where the old video footage and survivor stories took on a whole new dimension as I stood there, gazing across the harbor to Ford Island. One a completely quiet morning, I could almost hear the planes roaring overhead, raining destruction on the site in a moment of complete havoc.
The full magnitude of the attack finally hit me.
Final word
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, memorials often offer serene environments where visitors can find solace, pay their respects, and contemplate the lessons and legacies of the events or individuals memorialized. They serve as powerful reminders of our shared history and often offer visitors a rich and rewarding experience.
Daniel Gillaspia is the Founder of UponArriving.com and creator of the credit card app, WalletFlo. He is a former attorney turned full-time credit card rewards/travel expert and has earned and redeemed millions of miles to travel the globe. Since 2014, his content has been featured in major publications such as National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine, Forbes, CNBC, US News, and Business Insider. Find his full bio here.
USS Arizona Memorial Review (Pearl Harbor, Hawaii)
1,177.
That’s the number of lives lost on the USS Arizona on the day that would forever live in infamy.
Today, the USS Arizona Memorial pays tribute to these lives lost and to all of the lives lost on December 7, 1941, during the surprise attack of Pearl Harbor.
Visiting the USS Arizona Memorial and making the most of your visit isn’t the easiest process because there are a few things you need to get in order before you arrive.
Below, I’ll give you all the information you need to know about the USS Arizona Memorial so that you’ll not only appreciate the magnitude of the site but also have the ability to make the most of your experience.
What is the USS Arizona Memorial?
The USS Arizona Memorial is a memorial dedicated to members of the US Armed Forces who gave their lives during the attack on Pearl Harbor.
It’s built over the remains of the sunken battleship USS Arizona, the final resting place for 1,102 of the 1,177 crewmen killed during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.
How to visit the USS Arizona Memorial
The USS Arizona Memorial is located in the waters of Pearl Harbor, which means that you will have to take a shuttle boat to access the memorial.
The shuttle boat trip is free but you must make a reservation online through Recreation.gov. (When you make a reservation you will have to pay a $1 reservation fee per person.)
You want to make this reservation as far in advance as you can because the time slots do fill up.
Time slots become available eight weeks in advance and a second batch of slots become available 24 hours prior to your visit.
So for example on January 1, tickets are released for January 2 and February 26.
The tickets will become available at 3:00 pm Hawaii Standard Time daily.
If you are unable to make a reservation there is a standby list that you can join (near the USS Arizona Bell Court) but during peak times that may not be available.
The tours at the USS Arizona Memorial start at 8:00am and go through 3:30pm daily. Each tour takes approximately 45 minutes from the time you step on the boat.
USS Arizona (brief) history
The USS Arizona (BB-39) came out of the Brooklyn Navy Yard and was christened on June 19, 1915 in odd fashion.
The newly added desert state had passed prohibition (five years before it became Federal law) and so many objected to christening the ship with a bottle of alcohol.
Sailors did not want to use a bottle of water since it was considered a bad omen and eventually a compromise was made so that both a bottle of sparkling wine and a bottle with water from Theodore Roosevelt Dam in Arizona would be used.
You can still see the bottles used for the christening at the University of Arizona.
The Arizona remained stateside during World War I.
This was due in part to early issues the ship experienced and also to the fact that it ran on oil while other US ships headed to the European theater relied on coal which was more readily available.
But she did eventually make her way around the globe for various causes.
She participated in the escort when President Woodrow Wilson made his way to the Paris Peace Conference and in 1919 she spent time in Turkey at the beginning of the Greco-Turkish War before being transferred to the Pacific Fleet where she remained for the rest of her career.
The Arizona never fired any of her guns at any enemies and never participated in a battle until December 7, 1941.
Did you know? The Arizona achieved Hollywood fame in 1934 when she was featured in the movie, “Here Comes the Navy,” a romance starring James Cagney.
USS Arizona near the Brooklyn Bridge in 1916.
Leading up to the attack
The USS Arizona was not supposed to be in Pearl Harbor when the attacks occurred.
But on October 22, 1941, during a training exercise the battleship USS Oklahoma botched a turn and hit (some say torpedoed) the USS Arizona, creating a massive hole in its side.
The Arizona was forced into drydock for repairs and its trip to the West Coast was delayed which is why it was in Pearl Harbor on December 7.
Another eerie fact is that just one week prior to the attacks, the Arizona was featured in the annual Army versus Navy football game program.
There’s a caption that seems to foreshadow events to occur and states:
“A bow on view of the U.S.S. Arizona as she plows into a huge swell. It is significant that despite the claims of air enthusiasts no battleship has yet been sunk by bombs.”
The attack
On December 7, 1941, at about 7:55am, the Arizona’s air raid alarm went off as the attack on Pearl Harbor began.
Soon, 10 bombs were dropped by Nakajima B5N2 “Kates” and the Arizona sustained damage in different areas of the ship.
But it was at 8:06am near turret two when a bomb likely penetrated the armor deck near the magazines in the front section of the ship. About seven seconds after the bomb hit the forward magazines detonated and a catastrophic explosion followed.
Fierce fires that would last for two days were set off and debris from the explosion showered down on Ford Island. The bombs and the great explosion killed 1,177 of the 1,512 crewmen who were on board at the time.
Salvage efforts over the next year would allow parts of the ship to be recovered and some of them were even used for battle later on like the guns from Turret II that were installed on the USS Nevada and used in the battle of Okinawa.
As for the men inside, after much deliberation, it was decided the men would be considered buried at sea because it would be too problematic to remove their bodies in a respectful manner.
Robert Ripley, of Ripley’s Believe It or Not! fame initially made efforts with the Navy to build a permanent memorial but his ambitions were a little bit too lofty.
Still, the Navy was committed to creating a memorial and The Pacific War Memorial Commission was created in 1949 to build a permanent memorial here.
In the late 1950s, after plans were slightly derailed due to the Korean War, fundraising took place to help create the memorial and money came in from all different sources, including a benefit concert from Elvis Presley.
Eventually, the memorial was designed by Honolulu architect Alfred Preis and was formally dedicated on May 30, 1962 (Memorial Day). Today, it attracts more than 1 million visitors each year.
Here’s footage from the dedication ceremony:
Making the most of your USS Arizona experience
If you want to bring out more from your experience and get familiar with a lot of the history behind the USS Arizona, there are four things you can check-out which would all be best to do before you depart on your boat to the memorial.
These four things are:
Two Galleries
Audio Tour
Virtual Reality
23-minute film
Two Galleries (“Road to War” and “Attack”)
The two small galleries found outside the Pearl Harbor Memorial Theater take you through what happened during the attack and also provide you with some context leading up to the attacks.
There are quite a few interesting exhibits to check out that will help broaden your understanding of why the war started and also give you a better sense of who these sailors were.
For example, in the “Road to War” gallery, one of the most moving stories is of the USS Arizona band. On November 22, the Arizona band won the first semifinal of the “Battle of Music” competition.
The night before the attack, Dec 6, there was another competition round won by the USS Pennsylvania band. Having already secured a spot in the final, the Arizona band was there but just to watch.
On the next morning, the first bombs dropped with many of the band members preparing to play music for the daily flag raising ceremony.
They dropped their instruments and headed to their battle stations as ammunition handlers for turret two.
With their proximity to gunpowder and to the initial explosion, all of the band members perished.
The final Battle of Music round scheduled for December 20 was canceled and the Pennsylvania band awarded the trophy to the Arizona with a Latin phrase etched on the trophy meaning “such is the way to the stars.”
One of the most interesting and helpful exhibits in the “Attack” gallery is the scale model of the USS Arizona Memorial.
Take a look at it and maybe even snap a few photos from different angles because it might help you get a sense of what you are looking at once you get out to the memorial.
Audio Tours
One popular option is to do the Pearl Harbor audio tour which in addition to giving you a narrated experience on the USS Arizona, will walk you through other sites on the Pearl Harbor premises.
You’ll hear from the actual Pearl Harbor survivors and narration is done by actress Jamie Lee Curtis.
It’s about 1.5 hours long and you can purchase these audio tours for ~$8 right in front of the visitor center entrance. You’ll be issued a map and then you simply hit the number of the location when you arrive and sit back and listen.
There are different options for the virtual reality experiences and they are viewed with an Oculus. Each session costs about $8 and lasts about 6 to 8 minutes (they may be a problem for people prone to extreme motion sickness).
The VR experience was located at the Pearl Harbor Virtual Reality Center but due to the pandemic they moved outdoors next to the audio tour area.
The two new virtual reality tours include Air Raid Pearl Harbor and Skies Over Pearl. You can watch a trailer of them here but keep in mind that VR looks a lot different when you have a headset on.
23-minute film
In the Pearl Harbor Memorial Theater they played a 23-minute film presentation before your visit but I believe because of coronavirus they no longer do this in the theater.
Instead, they play the movie on a loop outside under an open-air lanai behind the education building. You can view that video at any time but it’s probably best to do it before your boat tour.
It will give you an overview of the events leading up to the war with Japan and also cover different aspects of the attack while showing you actual video footage.
Experiencing the USS Arizona Memorial
Checking-in
About 10 minutes prior to your boat shuttle boat ride, you want to arrive at the check-in desk at the Pearl Harbor Memorial Theater.
It’s recommended to arrive at the park about one hour prior to your tour.
The USS Arizona Memorial check-in area is a covered area with a few benches so you can just sit and relax while you wait for everything to begin.
When time approaches for your tour, a park ranger will round everybody up and brief everyone on what they need to know about the memorial.
You really only need to know a couple of things.
The memorial is also a military cemetery so you need to act and dress accordingly. The biggest thing to remember is to just not be loud (and to not let your kids be loud/obnoxious).
When you first arrive at the memorial, you must keep walking until you actually enter the memorial. You are not allowed to stop for photos until you get inside of it so that you avoid causing a traffic jam.
After that briefing, you’ll be ushered to the dock where you will board the boat to take you over to the memorial.
Boarding
Your boat is manned by US Navy sailors and it is only about a 10 minute ride to the USS Arizona Memorial.
Once you’re in the harbor you’ll notice the mooring quays which are the last structures remaining from the attack on Battleship Row and named based on the ship that was located in that area at the time of the attack.
They were used to secure the battleships along Battleship Row and were actually an innovative way to secure lots of large ships in one area.
They also played a major role during salvage attempts and were “utilized as moorings for salvage ships, barges, and legs for ship-to-shore bridges and cross ship platforms,” according to NPS.
As you approach the memorial, you’ll notice its distinct shape.
Critics initially were pretty hard on the memorial and said it look like a “squished milk carton” but there is symbolic meaning in the shape.
Each end of the memorial is rising up.
One side represents the pride that the US had before the attack on Pearl Harbor and the dip in the middle represents the pain experienced during the war.
The other side that rises back up represents the triumph the country experienced after victory.
You’ll be impressed by how skillfully the Navy sailors parallel park as you arrive at the memorial. Listen to them and they will let you know when it’s time to stand up and exit the boat.
Once properly docked, you’ll then make your way to the memorial.
The shrine
Personally, I would recommend walking straight to the end of the memorial where you’ll find the shrine.
Most people don’t go to that area until after they explore the first part which means that you can have that area to yourself.
Not only can you get better photos but you can have a more intimate experience with that part of the memorial.
The shrine has all of the names of the sailors and marines who were killed on the USS Arizona.
It reads:
“To the Memory of the Gallant Men Here Entombed and their shipmates who gave their lives in action on December 7, 1941, on the U.S.S. Arizona.”
Something that always gets me is knowing that of the 79 individual brothers on the Arizona, 63 died.
There were three sets of three brothers: the Beckers, the Dohertys, and the Murdocks but only one from each set survived.
On the sides of the shrine, you’ll see names of those who have been interred within the ship and those dates.
Those who were on the ship during the attack can choose to have their remains placed inside the ship’s well of barbette number four by a scuba diving team.
(Others who were Pearl Harbor survivors are allowed to have their ashes spread on the surface of the water in Pearl Harbor.)
The Arizona burial ceremonies involved a full military funeral and were very moving but it doesn’t look like that last remaining survivors plan on being buried this way so we may have seen the last of these ceremonies already.
Below, you can see what ceremony would look like.
As you admire the shrine, you’ll also notice the designs in the walls.
These are known as the tree of life and they represent a symbol of renewal. In my opinion, they add a lot of beauty to the memorial.
You can also find one of these back where you came from at the visitor center.
Viewing well
After checking out the names, you can then explore the other part of the memorial: the central assembly room.
Coming out of the shrine, you’ll see a large opening that looks directly down into the ship. This is the viewing well and is a place where people leave flowers for those being remembered.
If you want to leave flowers, it’s best to run it by the park ranger when you arrive.
They should not have a problem with it but they might want to make sure you’re not dropping anything down there that could affect wildlife (e.g., string from a lei).
From the surface of the water to the bottom it’s about 40 feet but part of the ship is directly beneath you here.
Number 3 barbette
When you look towards Ford Island Bridge, you’re looking towards the rear (aft) of the ship and you’ll see a rusted circular structure that rises just above the water’s surface.
This is no. 3 barbette and it’s where one of the four turrets with 14″ guns was located.
Turret number one which was at the front of the ship is the only turret still intact but it is on the deck that was blown up and so it dropped down and is now completely submerged.
Tip: If you took a picture of the model found in one of the galleries, you can refer to that to make out the different structures you’re looking at.
Marine life
While looking out at the ship’s remains, you might spot wildlife including various types of fish.
We were greeted by a friendly little sea turtle during our visit but beneath the surface a lot of wildlife flourishes like brown seahorses, sponges, coral, and even spotted eagle rays.
Seat turtle at the USS Arizona.
The 7 windows
Looking around, you’ll notice seven wide openings on both sides of the memorial and on top. The number seven is symbolic for December 7, the day of the attack in the US (the attack occurred on December 8th in Japan).
The seven total windows on each side and on the ceiling come out to a total of 21. Some say this is symbolic of the ever-present 21 gun salute for the fallen although it’s disputed that the designer had that in mind.
The flag
You’ll also notice the flag that might be waving if you have a breeze coming through. This flag is actually attached to the severed mainmast of the USS Arizona — something that began in 1950.
It was in that year that the first temporary memorial was built above the remaining portion of the deckhouse but due to the ongoing expenses for the Korean War at that time the memorial was not a priority.
The USS Missouri sits across the remains of the USS Arizona and if you look closely at it you can see that its guns are aimed over the USS Arizona.
This placement is a symbolic gesture with multiple layers of meaning.
It shows that the Missouri is looking over all of the fallen from the USS Arizona and it also represents both the beginning and end of World War II.
The beginning of course was the attack on Pearl Harbor and the end occurred when the Japanese signed the surrender instruments on Surrender Deck aboard the USS Missouri (which you can visit today).
At some point, you’ll probably notice oil on the surface of the water. You might even watch bubbles arise from the murky green depths.
The oil is known as the “black tears” and it is oil actively leaking from the USS Arizona, as it has done for 8 decades. Read more about the oil leak here.
In 2018 it was estimated that there was still 500,000 gallons of oil down there and right now approximately 9 quarts leak every day.
The National Park Service is monitoring the environmental impact of the oil. In the event of a major leak, they will likely take action to mitigate or stop the leaks.
Ranger led discussion
During your visit, there may be someone such as a park ranger on the memorial to give you stories and answer questions. There was a good size group huddled in the middle of the memorial just listening to different stories.
Once you have seen everything you can then head back to the entrance area where people will be lining up for the boat ride home.
You can check out the plaques on the wall in case you missed them whenever you entered.
You’ll wait for the incoming passengers to disembark and then make your way back to the boat.
If you’re lucky, you might see a navy ship coming through.
Something cool about the Navy ships that pass through Pearl Harbor is that they all “man the rails” and pay their respects to the Arizona when they come in or out of harbor. This gesture is found in the symbolic design of the USS Oklahoma Memorial.
You can see what it looks like when the sailors man the rails for Pearl Harbor below.
Other sites not to miss
Before you depart the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, make sure that you also check out two artifacts from the Arizona.
The first is the USS Arizona Bell which is found right by the theater where you check in for the USS Arizona boat shuttle. It’s also where people wait while on standby.
At the clock tower in Tucson, AZ, they symbolically ring the bell seven times the third Wednesday of every month at 12:07pm.
The other thing to check out is the massive anchor from the USS Arizona.
Final word
The USS Arizona Memorial is the prime attraction at Pearl Harbor and perhaps in all of Hawaii for many. It is a solemn occasion when you visit but it’s also a time to reflect proudly on the bravery and sacrifices that thousands made during World War II.
To get the most out of your visit you want to plan ahead and also think about visiting some of the additional galleries, and trying out the audio tours or even the virtual reality sets as they will broaden your understanding of the events that took place and allow you to appreciate what all of those involved truly went through.
Daniel Gillaspia is the Founder of UponArriving.com and creator of the credit card app, WalletFlo. He is a former attorney turned full-time credit card rewards/travel expert and has earned and redeemed millions of miles to travel the globe. Since 2014, his content has been featured in major publications such as National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine, Forbes, CNBC, US News, and Business Insider. Find his full bio here.
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
Cookie
Duration
Description
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional
11 months
The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy
11 months
The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
