Pearl Harbor and Memorial Day
@DeborahDiane (40491)
Laguna Woods, California
May 26, 2025 11:30am CST
When I took my South Pacific cruise, the ship stopped first in a couple of the Hawaiian Islands. While we were on Oahu, I took a tour of Pearl Harbor. I had been to see the Arizona Memorial in the past, but not the rest of Pearl Harbor. It seemed appropriate to write about it today, Memorial Day 2025. We cannot forget these men who lost their lives that day.
When my father was only 17, during World War II, he dropped out of high school and enlisted in the Navy. My Dad was stationed at Pearl Harbor after it was bombed. He told us many stories about his years there during World War II, and I wanted to see more of the base.
While I was there, I watched the video they have with real film of the actual bombing of Pearl Harbor. It was very shocking and moving.
I also saw a decommissioned battleship, a submarine, and other Navy equipment. There is also a circular memorial with the 2400 names of the people who died that day. Very sad.
I am glad I spent my day in Oahu seeing Pearl Harbor.
10 people like this
8 responses
@LadyDuck (475255)
• Italy
28 May
@DeborahDiane - My brother went years ago, I should have asked him at least to have photos, but I am not sure he would have given.
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (475255)
• Italy
29 May
@DeborahDiane - He also got all the albums with the photos of my Dad in uniform, I asked to have copies, he never answered back. I hope his ex wife did not throw them, she used to throw everything.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40491)
• Laguna Woods, California
28 May
@LadyDuck - Yes, it would have been nice if your brother had given you photos of the place where your Dad served during WWII.
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (190418)
• United States
26 May
I've been to Pearl Harbor and to the Arizona site. It is quite awe inspiring.
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (190418)
• United States
27 May
@DeborahDiane I am super amazed there is still oil coming up on the site where the AZ went down
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40491)
• Laguna Woods, California
28 May
@snowy22315 - Yes, I wonder how long that oil will continue to seep out of the Arizona. After all, it has been nearly 85 years since it sank. Will it go another 100 years? 200 years? Who knows?
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40491)
• Laguna Woods, California
27 May
@snowy22315 - Yes, it is a very awe inspiring place to visit. The video is especially moving, as well as seeing the Arizona Memorial, where so many soldiers remains are still in the sunken ship.
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (175180)
• Boise, Idaho
26 May
My grandfather was in the Army during WWI, and my dad was in the Navy during WWII; he was stationed in the Pacific. He came home with a skin disorder that pops up whenever it gets hot. Pearl Harbor was an amazing part of the war.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40491)
• Laguna Woods, California
27 May
@celticeagle - Thank you to your grandfather and father for their service during WWII. I'm sorry that your Dad's service caused him to develop a skin disorder ... a sad reminder of his time in the Navy. I'm glad I went to see Pearl Harbor.
2 people like this
@celticeagle (175180)
• Boise, Idaho
27 May
@DeborahDiane .........Then I am glad you did too. And thank you to your father for his service.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40491)
• Laguna Woods, California
28 May
@celticeagle - My father always felt good when he was recognized for his WWII service. He appreciated the comments.
1 person likes this
@RebeccasFarm (95248)
• Arvada, Colorado
27 May
Hi Friend I am glad you did too!
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40491)
• Laguna Woods, California
27 May
@RebeccasFarm - It was wonderful actually taking the time to see Pearl Harbor. I heard about my Dad's experiences there his entire life, but never spent any time there before, except for a brief trip once to see the Arizona Memorial.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40491)
• Laguna Woods, California
27 May
@JudyEv - Yes, people all over the world, including Australia, were affected by World War II. It really was a war that affected nearly everyone. I'm glad I was able to go to Pearl Harbor and spend some time there. It is a very moving experience.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40491)
• Laguna Woods, California
28 May
@grenery8 - Yes, it was a horrible war, and I hope the world never sees anything as bad again.
@garymarsh6 (23474)
• United Kingdom
26 May
Hello Deborah -Dianne thats a lovely surprise seeing you. I too visited Pearl Harbour when l visited on the world cruise in 2023. I had the best time ever on the cruise. We actually did our own thing & went there by taxi. A wonderful poignant visit.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40491)
• Laguna Woods, California
27 May
@garymarsh6 - Yes, it is a very poignant place to visit ... seeing the Arizona Memorial, the film about what happened during the bombing, and names on the memorial stone, and all the photographs. I'm glad I went.
@cabuyogty (3684)
• Philippines
26 May
This picture looks good. Have a safe vacation and Memorial Day there! 
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40491)
• Laguna Woods, California
27 May
@cabuyogty - Thank you! I enjoy my trip to Hawaii and some islands in the South Pacific. I would love to visit the Philippines someday, too.
