The U.S.S. Arizona Memorial was somber. However I think others built up the Memorial way too much in my mind. The film was good and provided with alot of insight on what exactly went on before and during the attack. For example, military bases were attacked all over the island, not just at Pearl Harbor. Pearl Harbor and the Arizona get all the press because 1100 men were killed upon sinking.
When you go to the memorial itself, you only stay about 10 – 15 minutes at the most, however you really wouldn’t want to stay any longer simply because there is not much else to see. Viewing the oil seeping up and the memorial wall….pretty much is it as far as the memorial is concerned.
They are trying to build a bigger and better visitors center. Not sure what it will look like, but I’m sure it is needed because the crowds can be overwhelming. Rebecca said that she has seen it to where the lines were several hours just to get tickets. We managed to get tickets for the next group by simply walking up to the counter. We had done the whole Memorial within an hour and a half. This includes the gift shop which sells the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial Rubik’s Cube with scenes of the battle and memorial on the sides. Tacky? Possibly.

On a lighter note I have become a new fan of Magnum P.I. Watch the opening sequence for memories sake. I guess I didn’t realize it was filmed on Oahu. I’m going to have rent some DVDs of it. Great ’80s show. The Rudders and I have been watching it at night.
On another note this morning Rebecca took me to “Savers” which is kinda like a Goodwill store for used clothing and other materials. Today was 99 cent day on yellow tags and half off orange tags. Bought 22 shirts. Spent $50. Are you listening Todd Burka? I’ll have to wear my “Another United Methodist Woman Working For You” shirt soon. Rebecca tells me that the Filipino women go there right went the store opens and just pile in the 99 cent shirts to send back home because it is cheaper than anything they can buy there. Go figure.
This afternoon it’ll be “The Boat” – a commuter boat from one side of Pearl Harbor to the other. It’s 2 bucks, cheapest boat you can ride on the island – apart from the free boat to the Arizona memorial. And it’s an hour ride and we’ll be coming back around sunset. Expect some beautiful pictures to show up soon.