Day Two:
U.S.S Arizona Memorial Entrance fee: Free
U.S.S. Arizona Memorial Audio Tour: $6 but well worth it!
U.S.S Bowfin fee with audio tour: $10, a great price that also includes the submarine museum. A wealth of information that easily took another 45 minutes.
We arrived early at 7:30 am and were able to get the second boat ride to the U.S.S Arizona Memorial (8:20 am ferry).
We were not allowed to bring our purse or camera bag. Unfortunately, my husband and I were dropped off, we wanted to enjoy the memorial without our toddler, so we had to pay the $3 baggage check fee. Not a bad fee at all for the sake of security.
Right after we put on our audio tour headsets, a lump formed in my throat. Just to hear the stories, the sounds of planes, and commotion, it felt humbling. What a day. Truly a day that will live in infamy.
I am so glad were able to go out to the memorial. It really hits you, the solemnity of it when you look down in the water and see the ruins of the ship and realize that over 1,000 men are entombed below your feet, in their watery grave.
There is still oil leaking from the ship each day. They expect the slow leak to continue for the next 50 years. The oil is called the tears of those who died.
After the Arizona Memorial we went over to the U.S.S Bowfin. A submarine that was sent to Pearl Harbor to be the “avenger” of that December 7th fateful day.
It was interesting to see the inside of the submarine. The close proximity, including sleeping quarters, bathrooms, galley, and dining area. I have a lot of respect for our military men who are stationed on a submarine after walking through its small spaces.
A big highlight of our morning was getting the chance to meet two Pearl Harbor survivors. We also were able to take a picture with them. Very cool!
Time did not allow for us to visit the U.S.S Missouri, but now we have something to visit when we come back again one day.
