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The large model of the USS Arizona Bell is suspended by a sturdy frame, allowing it to hang freely. The bell is crafted from bronze and possesses a metallic texture. A smaller model of the USS Arizona Bell hovers over the table beneath the larger model. The bell is intricately engraved with various inscriptions.
Synopsis: The USS Arizona Bell is a solemn memorial dedicated to the brave men and women who served on the USS Arizona during the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor. This bronze bell bears the names of those who lost their lives on the USS Arizona. It stands as a powerful symbol of the nation’s commitment to honoring the past. The bell serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made on that fateful day in history.
The Tree of Life is a forty-foot rectangular sculpture made of concrete and steel. The sculpture has 16 geometrical cut outs mimicking a tree.
Synopsis: The Tree of Life is a remarkable symbol of resilience, surviving the 1941 attack. Its branches tell a story of enduring strength against all odds. This living memorial inspires visitors, reminding them of the past and offering hope for the future. The tree stands as an enduring testament to the unyielding human spirit, representing the capacity to conquer challenges. Its presence at the park is a touching and living tribute to the events of the 1941 attack.
The Torpedo Bomber model is located within the Attack Museum, close by the tactile map of the Attack Gallery and at the beginning of the ”Foreshadow of Attack” exhibit. A gray, resin tactile model of the Torpedo Bomber is built on top of a ceramic disc standing in the middle of the room. The model is 1.7 feet in width and 2 feet in length. There is a metal plaque that reads “Japanese Torpedo Bomber” in print as well as Braille. For orientation, find the tip of the pane, which has a circular propeller indicating the front of the model. Going down the length of the plane, there are two wings on either side of the body of the plane. The main part of the model has grooves that represent the single-engine, three-seat carrier-borne torpedo bomber. It carried three members of the crew within the cockpit: the pilot, the navigator or bomb armorer, and a radio operator or gunner. Finally, the last part of the tactile model depicted is the tail, composed of three metal segments: one vertical and two horizontal on the left and right of the tail.
A gray, resin model of the sunken U.S.S Arizona battleship. This model is about 3 feet long and about 9 inches wide.
Synopsis: The model depicts the wreckage of the U.S.S Arizona as it rests today on the ocean floor. For orientation, find the two circular holes that are about a half-inch to an inch deep and about two inches wide. Those are on the back of the ship, called the stern. The ship has three distinct sections- 1: This less-damaged stern where two large guns once were positioned in the holes, 2. The rubble of the midship, where the control tower once stood, and 3. The heavily damaged bow, or front of the ship, which has the only remaining main-battery gun.
In-Depth Description:
The stern, or back-end of the ship, is relatively intact. The two holes represent where salvage operations removed two of the four main battery guns that were on the deck. Around the holes, debris can be felt as well as some ventilation ducts. In the middle of the ship, the rough texture represents a large amount of rubble left behind by the explosion that tore through the ship. The gun on the front of the ship has three barrels. The bomb penetrated the ship in-between this gun and the midship. Underneath the gun barrels, the smooth surface eventually gives way to a rougher texture where the explosion erupted and exited from the lower levels of the ship.
The USS Arizona National Memorial is a rectangular-shaped structure serving as a memorial to honor the memory of the 1,777 crew members who lost their lives on the USS Arizona battleship during the Pearl Harbor attack. As you enter the monument, you will be welcomed into a space of solemnity and dignity designed to commemorate the bravery of the fallen crew members. The center is primarily white, made of concrete and steel, and spans 184 feet (56 meters) over the ship's sunken remains.
The memorial's symbolic structure is an open-air pavilion with a sagging central roof representing the sunken vessel. The roof design pays homage to the heroic actions of the crew members who served on the USS Arizona during the Pearl Harbor attack. The pavilion also features a series of open walkways that provide a meditative space for visitors to reflect on the events during the attack.
The Wall of Remembrance is located at the central space of the memorial and bears the names of each fallen crew member, serving as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by the brave men who served their country. The USS Arizona has seven rectangular windows on each side and the ceiling, known as "weeping windows." The seven windows represent the decades since the Pearl Harbor attack in 1941. These windows allow visitors to pay their respects to the fallen while creating an emotional connection between the past and the present.
Alfred Preis designed the USS Arizona Memorial, which serves as a moving experience that allows visitors to witness the resting place of the ship and its crew. It is a place of reverence and respect where one can reflect on the sacrifices made by those who served their country with bravery and honor.
A walkway heads North past the boat deck and connects to Remembrance Circle, a small semi-enclosed space surrounded by a wall with two openings, one on the south and one on the north. In the center of the circle, a pedestal with a brass, topographical tactile map of Oahu stands. Circular stickers placed on the map indicate various locations around the island that were struck during the December 7th attack. Rising from the center of the Island are Oahu’s two mountain ranges, one sharp and jagged, the other smooth to the touch, each running parallel from North to South. The waterways of Pearl Harbor sit between the two mountain ranges, creating the shape of a tree with three branches. Beyond the map, plaques spread along the semi-circle, facing West towards the ocean in the direction of the USS Arizona Memorial. Each plaque lists the names of those who lost their lives on that day.
Further North along the walkway stands one of three anchors recovered from the USS Arizona, consisting of two rectangular pedestals resting on a round base. Two arms extend outward from the center of a large metal anchor creating a U-shape. The tips of each arm form a flat, triangular face. In between the arms, a vertical shaft extends upward, attached to a thick chain that drapes downward towards the base. At the bottom of the anchor, a bronze plaque rests in front of each pedestal. The text on the Southern plaque shows: “Recovered from the USS Arizona, Cast in Chester, Pennsylvania 1922, 19,585 pounds/8.88 metric tons, and the Northern plaque reads: “Remember, understand, honor, dedicated to those who made the ultimate sacrifice, December 7, 1941, we will never forget.”
As you approach the visitor center's entrance, you will be greeted by the awe-inspiring "Lone Sailor" statue. The statue stands tall and proud, its eyes fixed on the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean, facing west towards the harbor. This iconic piece of art is a powerful symbol of the naval tradition of facing the sea, ready to serve and protect.
The "Lone Sailor" statue is a touching and respectful tribute to the sacrifices made by the U.S. Navy. It is a remarkable way to honor their unwavering commitment to protecting our nation's maritime interests. The statue is a powerful symbol of naval heritage, representing the bravery and devotion of those who have served in the Navy.
The Lone Sailor is depicted wearing the traditional U.S. Navy uniform, which consists of a pea coat, a Dixie cup, and a sailor’s collar. On the left side of the sailor, there is a sea bag. A plaque beside the Lone Sailor reads: "The Base of This Statue contains Steel from the USS Arizona." The statue is made of bronze sculpture on a plinth made from steel from the USS Arizona. The intricate details of the statue make it a must-see attraction for visitors.