On December 7, 1941, eight US battleships were in port at Pearl Harbor ... the Arizona, California, Maryland, Nevada, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and West Virginia.
On that day, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor and the ships took the brunt of the assault. The Arizona, California, Oklahoma and West Virginia sank during the attack. The Arizona suffered the most serious damage and loss of life.
On a recent trip, I visited Pearl Harbor and "Battleship Row". These are my reflections.
Image (courtesy of Wikipedia) depicting "Battleship Row"
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Through heaven’s eye and watery grave
We see and we remember
Beneath the funnel rest the brave
Who died that day of December
Below the skies
A proud symbol flies
As then and now … for seventy years
There are tears … black tears
Forever mates, forever gone
One thousand, one hundred and two young men
"LEST WE FORGET"
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The Arizona Memorial was dedicated on Memorial Day, May 30, 1962.
"Upon this sacred spot, we honor the specific heroes who surrendered their lives ... While they were in full bloom, so that we could have our full share of tomorrows."
~ Olin F. Teague, Chairman, Veterans Affairs Committee
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THE USS MISSOURI
USS Missouri (BB-63), also affectionately known as “Mighty Mo” or “Big Mo”, was the last battleship built by the United States.
Missouri became the site of the surrender of the Empire of Japan which ended World War II. The signing of the Japanese Instrument of Surrender took place aboard Missouri on September 2, 1945.
The USS Missouri is now a museum ship at Pearl Harbor ....
Standing proud in "Battleship Row"
Watching over USS Arizona
The big guns of the "Mighty Mo"
Where brave marines once walked
And commands were given
And life below decks was home away from home
USS Missouri - "Strength for Freedom"
A special flag
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The following is one of my very early poems and was written for Scylla the Rock.
Scylla ... I saw your recent post and just wanted to let you know that I am thinking of you. I know life is so very, very hard sometimes but keep going, my friend. Please keep faith and stay strong. You are needed here. You are loved.
For you, Scylla... on this Memorial Day.
THE SOLDIER
The job is done
And it has been done well
The soldier is now home
But he lives in hell
He lives with pain
Pain without end
He begs for relief
But the pain does not bend
A son he has lost
Through tragic circumstance
He visits him often
In memory and chance
The pain without end
Leaves him crippled and weak
He pleads for release
And forgiveness he seeks
He marches on
His head is lowered
Through brutal times
He continues forward
He stayed at his post
He has held it for so long
He is tired now
And struggles to stay strong
A wife now fights
She fights for her land
And she fights for her husband
She is making her stand
The soldier searches
And he prays
For the secret to life
For the reason to stay
He calls for the answer
He is so weary
His body is broken
And to die seems easy
March on brave soldier
For the path is in front of you
Fight on dear soldier
The reason? ...
Is those who love and need you
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Aerial view of the USS Arizona and Memorial and image of "Battleship Row" courtesy of Wikipedia
All other images by Kate
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Comments
I know you are holding Scylla in your heart and prayers too. Thank you friend. Love you!
This is very powerful. Places where something so tragic happened hold the sadness and horror forever.
Your poem to Syclla is very poignant - I'm fighting tears - thank you. Thank you.
♥R
Kathy: Thank you so very much.
Janice: Being there at Pearl Harbor is a day of my life that I will not forget. It was indeed very, very moving.
Rei Momo: Having been in Pearl Harbor just a few short weeks ago, it seemed appropriate to join in and share your holiday and remember those who have given service to their country. Thank you for sharing with me.
blufeather: I appreciate so very much your kind words. Thank you.
Roy Wolfe, that I talked about in my post yesterday, served proudly on The Missouri. A few years before he died, he made her final journey to rest in Pearl Harbor. It was something huge to him.
Thank you for this. I don't know much of Scylla, but plan to right that if the site will let me get to his. Your poem for him is quite beautiful.
Thank you!
And to think that someone close to you served on the Missouri too. If you’ve not been to Pearl Harbor before and been on the ship, I hope that one day you will, dear friend. Best wishes.
So well done!!!