The image of the sunken USS Arizona, where half of the 2,400 casualties remain, is one of the country’s most lasting symbols. But what does this image symbolize, and why is it so enduring?
In his address to Congress the day after December 7, 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt accurately prophesied that Pearl Harbor Day would live “in infamy,” and it did. Pearl Harbor came without warning and was accompanied by simultaneous Japanese attacks across the Pacific against both U.S. and British territories. The immediate national anger against the nature of the invasion slowly gave way to the more profound realization that Pearl Harbor was a turning point in national history.
At the time, America was accustomed to the belief that “isolationism” was guaranteed by our location. That changed with the attack on Pearl Harbor. Overnight, the United States became the defender of democracy, liberty, and all of the value systems cherished by free people. Four days after the attack, on December 11, 1941, both Hitler and Mussolini declared war.
Arizona’s special ties to this day of infamy remain, and our state will host commemorations and memorials. So, as we head towards December 7th, it seems appropriate to share a bit more of the unique history about the USS Arizona.
Fascinating Facts About the USS Arizona
- A Tragic Loss: Almost half of the casualties at Pearl Harbor occurred on the naval battleship USS Arizona, which was hit four times by Japanese bombers and eventually sank. Among the 1,177 crewmen killed were all 21 members of the Arizona’s band, known as U.S. Navy Band Unit (NBU) 22. When the attack began, most of its members were on deck, preparing to play music for the daily flag-raising ceremony. They instantly moved to man their battle positions beneath the ship’s gun turret. At no other time in American history has an entire military band died in action.
- Lasting Bonds: The bonds between the crewmembers of Arizona have lasted far beyond the ship’s loss on December 7, 1941. Since 1982, the U.S. Navy has allowed survivors of USS Arizona to be interred in the ship’s wreckage upon their deaths. Following a full military funeral at the Arizona memorial, the cremated remains are placed in an urn and then deposited by divers beneath one of Arizona’s gun turrets.
- Elvis’s Contribution: In March 1961, entertainer Elvis Presley, who had recently finished a two-year stint in the U.S. Army, performed a benefit concert at Pearl Harbor’s Bloch Arena that raised over $50,000—more than 10 percent of the USS Arizona Memorial’s final cost. The monument was officially dedicated on May 30, 1962, and attracts more than 1 million visitors yearly.
Why It Matters Today
The story of the USS Arizona is not just a historical account; it’s a reminder of the resilience and unity that can arise from tragedy. Perhaps it gives us an understanding of this part of history and can provide a deeper appreciation for the freedoms and values we often take for granted. It’s a call to remember the past and honor those who sacrificed for the future we live in today.
We hope you will attend our event to participate in a unique Pearl Harbor Day remembrance.
- Honoring America’s Veterans Pearl Harbor Day Commemoration and Celebration
- 10:55 a.m.
- Saturday, December 7
- Wesley Bolin Plaza Amphitheater, 1700 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, Arizona
- Details: World War II Bi-Plane flyover, wreath placements, Commander Brenda Way as Keynote Speaker, Executive Officer for NR Commander Pacific Fleet Public Affairs, Pearl Harbor. The 108th Army National Guard Band will provide music, and vocals will be performed by the Musical Theater of Anthem’s Outreach Group afterward, prizes for Best Aloha Attire, Best Trivia Contest Answers, and Wesley Bolin Plaza USS Arizona Commemoration Passport participants.
More information at https://honoringamericasveterans.org/pearl-harbor-day