One of the major attractions on this island is the amazing Pearl Harbour Memorial. A very early start to the day saw us up at sparrows to get there to be first in line ensuring that we didn't miss out on any of the activities due to the large volume of tourists that pile through the doors each day. The kids weren't too sure on why we had to spend the whole day there, but once we started going through the exhibits and they got "hands on" with things, they started to understand the significance of it all.
Looking across the Waterfront memorial lawn to the Arizona Memorial.
On board the USS Bowfin submarine, launched in 1942, she sank 44 enemy ships during her 9 wartime patrols.
Inside the sub, the self guided audio tours were great, there were even shorter, more interesting versions for the kids.
Lyndon at home in the engine room.
The outside of USS Bowfin.
The USS Missouri, the site of the Japanese surrender on Sept 2, 1945. She is 3 football fields long and over 20 stories high and today overlooks the USS Arizona memorial.
On board the Mighty Mo, USS Missouri. These ledgendary cannons were the site of Chers film clip "If I could turn back time" and the movie "Battleship" was filmed on board this vessel. Our tour guide was one of the movie extras and when we got back home the kids keep watching the film to try and spot him
The actual spot where the peace declaration was made, signifying the end of WWII.
Looking down the 16 in" guns to the Arizona Memorial.
Dylan having a rest in one of the many sleeping quarters.
Always with the guns!!!
Ain't love grand, not quite an exact copy but close enough.
After the Pearl Harbour tour it was off to the Pacific Aviation Museum. This is an old DC3 plane and we took this picture for our friends Craig, Marion and Alice who own Chathams Airlines and have their very own fully restored DC3 plane flying in Tonga. It is nicknamed the Casablanca plane, as it is so old fashioned and steeped in history.
Dylans' favourite plane
Something the boys had not seen before, a helicopter with fold up rotars.
The oil still escaping from the sunken USS Arizona.
The USS Arizona memorial. Inside are the names of those who lost their lives, etched in marble, along with those who served on the Arizona and have since passed after the opening of the memorial. Their ashes are allowed to be inturned with their ship mates through a small opening below the water line.
On the day we visited, a Pearl Harbour survivor was there to talk to the public about his experience and sign copies of his book.
The whole Pearl Harbour experience is definatley one not to be missed if you are going to visit Oahu.
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