I have been doing some reading about Pearl Harbor Day over the past several months. I am humbled when I think about the sacrifices made by so many young men.
When you think of Pearl Harbor, the image that comes to mind is generally the USS Arizona. Here she is leaving New York City.
And here it is on the morning of 7 Dec 1941. What a terrible day in the history of our nation. Officially commissioned on Oct. 17, 1916, the USS Arizona became the final resting place for 1,177 crew members. Contrary to popular belief, the USS Arizona is no longer in commission. She is, however, an active U.S. military cemetery. As a special tribute to the ship and her lost crew, the United States flag flies from the flagpole, which is attached to the severed mainmast of the sunken battleship. The USS Arizona Memorial has come to commemorate all military personnel killed in the Pearl Harbor attack.
To this day, oil can still be seen rising from the wreckage to the surface of the water. The oil seeping is sometimes referred to as "the tears of the Arizona" or "black tears."
As many are aware, the USS Arizona Memorial was dedicated in Pearl Harbor on 30 May 1962. The memorial is visited by more than one million guests annually.
One of the reverent points I discovered (which I had not known) is that of
Manning the Rails. Every United States Navy, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marine vessel entering Pearl Harbor participates in the tradition of "manning the rails". Personnel serving on these ships stand at attention at the ship's guard rails and salute the USS Arizona Memorial in solemn fashion as their ship slowly glides into port. More recently, as foreign military vessels are entering Pearl Harbor for joint military exercises, foreign troops have participated in the traditional manning the rails.
As I get older I recognize more and more the sacrifices men and women in the military have made for me. I get a lump in my throat as I see these aging veterans marching in Memorial Day or Veterans Day celebrations. Whenever I talk to one of them... or say "thank you for your service," their eyes well up with tears. They gave their all for me and my posterity. I cannot say the same... I have never had to put my life on the line for another human being. And so, perhaps you can see why I say I am humbled and truly grateful for those who died as well as those who survived.... for those who still serve, and for those who will someday serve. Thank You.
I have been doing some reading about Pearl Harbor Day over the past several months. I am humbled when I think about the sacrifices made by so many young men.
When you think of Pearl Harbor, the image that comes to mind is generally the USS Arizona. Here she is leaving New York City.
And here it is on the morning of 7 Dec 1941. What a terrible day in the history of our nation. Officially commissioned on Oct. 17, 1916, the USS Arizona became the final resting place for 1,177 crew members. Contrary to popular belief, the USS Arizona is no longer in commission. She is, however, an active U.S. military cemetery. As a special tribute to the ship and her lost crew, the United States flag flies from the flagpole, which is attached to the severed mainmast of the sunken battleship. The USS Arizona Memorial has come to commemorate all military personnel killed in the Pearl Harbor attack.
To this day, oil can still be seen rising from the wreckage to the surface of the water. The oil seeping is sometimes referred to as "the tears of the Arizona" or "black tears."
As many are aware, the USS Arizona Memorial was dedicated in Pearl Harbor on 30 May 1962. The memorial is visited by more than one million guests annually.
One of the reverent points I discovered (which I had not known) is that of Manning the Rails. Every United States Navy, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marine vessel entering Pearl Harbor participates in the tradition of "manning the rails". Personnel serving on these ships stand at attention at the ship's guard rails and salute the USS Arizona Memorial in solemn fashion as their ship slowly glides into port. More recently, as foreign military vessels are entering Pearl Harbor for joint military exercises, foreign troops have participated in the traditional manning the rails.
As I get older I recognize more and more the sacrifices men and women in the military have made for me. I get a lump in my throat as I see these aging veterans marching in Memorial Day or Veterans Day celebrations. Whenever I talk to one of them... or say "thank you for your service," their eyes well up with tears. They gave their all for me and my posterity. I cannot say the same... I have never had to put my life on the line for another human being. And so, perhaps you can see why I say I am humbled and truly grateful for those who died as well as those who survived.... for those who still serve, and for those who will someday serve. Thank You.
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