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USS Arizona Memorial, Pearl Harbor
USS Arizona Memorial · Pearl Harbor, Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi, USA
A white memorial over the wreck of a sunken battleship; the surprise attack of 7 December 1941 changed the course of the Second World War.
Know before you go
- Don't laugh loudly or pose for joke photos in the memorial
- don't throw anything into the water
- bags are not allowed in the security area
This article is Not yet verified. Please check official announcements for prices, opening hours and dates.
Stories & people
Stories & people
History
'A date which will live in infamy'
Early on 7 December 1941, Japanese carrier aircraft launched a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, killing 2,403 Americans. The USS Arizona was hit by a modified 16-inch armour-piercing shell that detonated her forward magazine, and nearly half of the American dead came from this battleship. The next day President Roosevelt addressed Congress, calling it 'a date which will live in infamy', and the United States declared war on Japan.
Source: Wikipedia: Attack on Pearl Harbor; Wikipedia: Franklin D. Roosevelt
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
On 7 December 1941 Japan launched a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, base of the US Pacific Fleet, killing 2,403 Americans and wounding 1,178. Nearly half of the American dead were from the USS Arizona: hit by a modified 16-inch armour-piercing shell, its forward magazine exploded and it sank. Apart from the Arizona and the Utah, the other sunken battleships were later raised, and six returned to service. President Roosevelt called it 'a date which will live in infamy', and the US declared war on Japan.
Local customs
- This is a war grave
- many of the dead still lie within the hull — keep silent when visiting
Etiquette
Etiquette & taboos
Rules that apply here
Driving in the US: what to do when police pull you over
- Signal right and pull over safely to the right
- Roll down your window after stopping, before the officer reaches you
- At night, turn on the interior light
- Keep both hands on the wheel and ask passengers to keep their hands visible too
- Getting out and walking towards the police car
- Suddenly reaching for the glovebox, a pocket or under the seat
Sudden movements may be read as a threat and become dangerous. The wording of the rules varies slightly between states.
Not yet verifiedSource: Texas Department of Public Safety driver handbook
Don’t DON'T
- Don't laugh loudly or pose for joke photos in the memorial
- don't throw anything into the water
- bags are not allowed in the security area
Locals appreciate DO
Americans appreciate visitors who remove their hats and pay their respects quietly in the memorial.
Plan your visit
Practical info
| Best time | Morning |
|---|---|
| Time needed | Half a day |
Travel tips
- Visits to the memorial must be booked (free on the official website, with limited places)
- bags can't be taken in, but there is storage on site
- combine with the battleship USS Missouri (where Japan signed the surrender) on the same day
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