Pearl Harbor Remembered

December 7, 2000

The USS Arizona Memorial at 7:00 AM

At 7:00 AM Pearl Harbor was quiet, much like it was that Sunday morning December 7, 1941.  Very little movement was evident in the harbor except for some small boats taking old war adversaries out to the memorial for the annual services.  

This year three Japanese pilots that took part in the attack accompanied the survivors of the USS Arizona.  As I was listening to a radio station that was broadcasting the services on the memorial, I was thinking that it was time to forgive Japan but not yet willing to forget the brave men who had died here.

The Missing Man Formation

Promptly at 7:58 AM four U.S. Air Force jet aircraft appeared over Hickam Air Force Base coming in the direction of the memorial in a diamond formation.  Just as they were passing over the memorial one jet broke formation and quickly left the area as the remaining jets continued on.  This is known as the Missing Man Formation symbolizing the loss of a comrade as we had lost many here on that day of infamy 59 years ago.

The USS Hopper

Next the USS Hopper, one of our Navy’s most capable Destroyers approached the memorial with all of the crew in their dress white uniforms manning the rails of the ship.  Passing close to the memorial, they rendered passing honors to the USS Arizona and its crew.  This is normal for any ship passing the memorial, but today they were rendering the honor not only from their crew but also for a grateful nation.

The USS Hopper  passing the USS Arizona

As the USS Hopper moved past the memorial and on to the USS Missouri which now accompanies the USS Arizona on battleship row, the chaplain on the memorial started praying for those of USS Arizona and the many others that lost their lives that day. 

As the chaplain continued, a light sprinkle began on the harbor and a brilliant rainbow formed over the memorial.  

Each of the half dozen persons I was standing with had the same thought and together we expressed that it must be a sign that our thoughts and prayers were being acknowledged as being worthy.

Article By:  Old Glory Traditions, LLC

Comment on this Article