What US battleship is memorialized at Pearl Harbor in Oahu, Hawaii?
| Answer: | USS Arizona |
The battleship memorialized at Pearl Harbor in Oahu, Hawaii is the USS Arizona. The USS Arizona was a Pennsylvania-class battleship commissioned in 1916 and played a significant role in World War II. On December 7, 1941, the USS Arizona was tragically sunk during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, resulting in the loss of over 1,100 American sailors and Marines. The ship sank in a matter of minutes after being hit by a bomb that ignited its ammunition stores, leading to a catastrophic explosion. The wreckage of the USS Arizona still lies at the bottom of Pearl Harbor, serving as a poignant memorial to the lives lost during the attack.
The USS Arizona Memorial was dedicated on May 30, 1962, to honor the memory of those who perished on the battleship. The memorial, designed by architect Alfred Preis, is built directly over the sunken hull of the USS Arizona and consists of a white concrete structure spanning the mid-portion of the ship. Visitors can access the memorial by boat and walk through the open-air structure to pay their respects to the fallen sailors and Marines. The memorial also features a Wall of Remembrance inscribed with the names of all personnel who died on the USS Arizona that day.
Visiting the USS Arizona Memorial is a somber and emotional experience that allows visitors to reflect on the events of that fateful day in American history. The site serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by those who served in the military and the impact of the attack on Pearl Harbor in shaping the course of World War II. The USS Arizona Memorial is a symbol of resilience and remembrance, ensuring that the memory of the sailors and Marines who lost their lives on the ship will never be forgotten.