The USS Arizona: A Symbol of Pearl Harbor

The USS Arizona: A Symbol of Pearl Harbor

The USS Arizona, a battleship sunk during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, serves as a poignant reminder of the tragic event. The ship’s wreckage, resting on the ocean floor, is a war grave for over 1,100 sailors who lost their lives. The attack on the Arizona highlights the devastating impact of the surprise attack and the importance of remembering this pivotal moment in history.

The Attack on Pearl Harbor

On December 7, 1941, the Japanese Imperial Navy launched a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The attack, which lasted for about two hours, resulted in the sinking or damaging of 188 U.S. aircraft, 200 U.S. warships, and 188 U.S. aircraft. The attack also killed over 2,400 Americans and injured more than 1,000 others.

The USS Arizona was one of the ships that was targeted by the Japanese. The battleship was hit by two bombs, which ignited its ammunition magazines and caused a massive explosion. The explosion sank the Arizona in minutes, and the ship’s wreckage remains on the ocean floor to this day.

The USS Arizona Memorial

In 1962, the USS Arizona Memorial was dedicated over the wreckage of the battleship. The memorial, which is a white marble structure, is a popular tourist destination and a solemn place for visitors to pay their respects to the sailors who lost their lives on the Arizona.

The memorial is built over a portion of the sunken ship, and visitors can walk across the memorial to view the wreckage of the Arizona. The memorial also features a museum that tells the story of the attack on Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona.

The Legacy of the USS Arizona

The USS Arizona is a symbol of the attack on Pearl Harbor and the sacrifices that were made by the American people during World War II. The ship’s wreckage, which remains on the ocean floor, is a reminder of the devastating impact of the attack and the importance of remembering this pivotal moment in history.

The USS Arizona Memorial is a place where visitors can pay their respects to the sailors who lost their lives on the Arizona. The memorial also serves as a reminder of the importance of peace and the need to prevent future wars.

Interesting Facts

• The USS Arizona was the largest battleship in the U.S. Navy at the time of the attack.
• The Arizona was named after the state of Arizona, which was admitted to the Union in 1912.
• The ship was commissioned in 1916 and served in World War I.
• The Arizona was one of the first ships to be hit by the Japanese during the attack on Pearl Harbor.
• The memorial is visited by over 2 million people each year.