Hawaii: "Acts of heroism that day were many and not all recorded."

Today was our historical day. With Jaron and Christina in toe we headed out to Pearl Harbor. Many people suggested that we go early so we left at 7 am. Our first stop was the USS Bowfin submarine. This submarine was in World War II and was lucky enough to make several trips with all members surviving. We did an audio tour that described the boat and included commentary from some of the sailors who fought on it.

USS Bowfin

Pat walking through the submarine

Jaron and Christina on the Sub

Pat and Jaron testing out the guns

Me doing my due diligence

We then headed out to the USS Arizona Memorial. The ship was attacked in Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 by the Japanese. The ship sunk to the bottom of the ocean and has remained there. 1,177 men were killed on the ship and 900 of them are still buried within the ship below the ocean. The memorial was built above the ship. Before heading to the memorial by boat, we watched a movie detailing the events of that tragic day. Touring the memorial was a very moving experience. The audio included commentary from other sailors who survived and family members of the fallen. Even though it has been 70 years, as you look down on the ship you actually see oil leaking out causing a lite film on the water. This was a very humbling experience, one that we will never forget. Thank you to all the men and women who have served or are serving our country.

USS Arizona Memorial

The USS Arizona gun towers

Inside of the USS Arizona Memorial

Boat ride back from the USS Arizona Memorial

USS Arizona from across Pearl Harbor

We then took a bus over to the USS Missouri. The USS Missouri was the site of surrender for Japan, ending World War II. This ship was also the last battleship built by the US. The USS Missouri recently starred in the movie Battleship. We did another audio tour on this boat and our audio devices reminded us of Zack Morris's 90's cell phones. They were very chic.

USS Missouri

Perfect recreation of a classic

Zack Morris Audio Devices

USS Missouri

Awesome Rat-tail

USS Missouri

After a long day at Pearl Harbor we went home and took a nap. We then headed out for the next adventures of the day, walking on a beautiful beach. We saw an endangered Monk Seal sunbathing and nearly tripped on him as we starred at the water. We also had an unfortunate mishap. Pat's phone got lost!! Somewhere between a few hand exchanges it was gone. When we arrived at our car after the walk, Pat noticed and he and Jaron ran down to where we were. It was nowhere to be found. :( We figure it is either floating in the ocean or the Monk Seal ate it. Go figure the "Find my iPhone" app did not help.