A Trip To Pearl Harbor And The Arizona

If you haven't noticed, I've been gone for close to two weeks for a summer vacation trip with my family. If you didn't notice, don't worry. No offense taken.

We went to Hawaii (thank you economic stimulus check) and between the sun, beaches, snorkeling and a luau; we had to make a trip to Pearl Harbor to see the Arizona Memorial.

I think it's something you must do if you're every fortunate enough to visit Hawaii.

We took an early morning tour bus and there were already 300 people in line to visit the Memorial when we arrived before 7:00am. That's a half hour before the doors open and they start distributing tickets.

The way they organize you into groups is well done and you are ushered into a theatre to view a 20-25 minute documentary on what led up to the attack and some of the film that was shot on that dreadful morning.

Then it's onto a U.S. Navy boat for the five minute trip to the Arizona Memorial. You get to spend close to 15 minutes above the sunken ship before you are taken back to shore.

It is a somber reminder of what happened on December 7, 1941 and it's a humbling experience when you consider what the men and women of this country did after that day to win a war fought on two fronts. I know we all have tough times, but I agree completely with those who have called that group of Americans the Greatest Generation.

And I did get the answer to something I've wondered about for years: the story that oil is still leaking from the sunken ship more than 66 years after the Arizona went down.

Yes, it still leaks oil. I saw it with my own eyes and we took a picture of that small blob floating on the water.

The National Parks Service website reported in 2006 that the estimate is that 500,000 gallons of oil remains within the Arizona's hull. Wind, tide and harbor conditions have an impact on how much oil comes out of the ship.

That day led my father to join the service. He flew C-46 and C-47 planes for the Army Air Corps in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater. He was one of the first American pilots to land on mainland of Japan, in Toyko, following the Japanese surrender.

I didn't say it. I don’t know who did, but I wish it was me: all those men and women did at home and abroad was save a world.

Again, I would recommend (borderline insist) that you visit Pearl Harbor and the Arizona Memorial if you ever make it to Hawaii.