Oahu - Day 2 (Pearl Harbor)

Today we woke before the sun to embark on a journey through history. Visiting Pearl Harbor was something I've wanted to do since I was young and was the deciding factor in our decision to visit Oahu. The visit was both somber and eye-opening as we delved deeper and learned more about the events leading to the U.S.'s entrance into WWII. Visiting the USS Arizona Memorial (where oil can still be seen rising to the water's surface--the "tears of the Arizona") was a truly moving experience, as was meeting one of the last two living survivors of the Pearl Harbor attacks. I found myself thinking often of my grandfathers, both of whom joined the Navy as a direct result of the events of December 7th, 1941. I now understand on an even deeper level what prompted them and a multitude of others to enlist in the armed forces with ferver. I thanked a young man in his freshly pressed navy uniform on our way out for his service and he simply smiled and said, "Oh, of course." Amanda and I walked away with a deeper appreciation for all the men and women who served and continue to serve to protect our freedoms. For all those who lost their lives at Pearl Harbor we say mahalo.Read more