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I was stationed at NAS Barbers Point, HI, in 1991 as a Chief Warrant Officer assigned to the station's Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department (AIMD).
President Bush conducted a memorial service of the 50th anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor at approximately 8 AM. After that ceremony cleared and the President had left the Arizona Memorial, groups of reenlisting sailors and their reenlisting officers made their way to the Arizona Memorial for their individual reenlistment ceremonies.
I was lucky enough to be asked by two station sailors to be their reenlisting officer and we were on the first boat out after the President left. After the two reenlistment ceremonies, while waiting for the boat to return to the pier, we had the opportunity to take in the somberness of our location. Fifty years ago, at the very moment that we were standing on the Memorial, looking into the water at the sunken USS Arizona, oil still rising to the surface, 1,177 sailors had just lost their lives and the Arizona, for many of them, had become their tomb. Let me tell you, as a sailor who did six of my 25 years on a ship, it brought a lump to my throat and tears to my eyes. Almost everyone who left the memorial that day had red eyes. Without a doubt, this was the most momentous event of my Naval career.
I wonder if the Attorney General back then got on the radio and warned us all that we could be prosecuted for anti-Japanese remarks? My how things have changed.
I was stationed at NAS Barbers Point, HI, in 1991 as a Chief Warrant Officer assigned to the station's Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department (AIMD).
President Bush conducted a memorial service of the 50th anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor at approximately 8 AM. After that ceremony cleared and the President had left the Arizona Memorial, groups of reenlisting sailors and their reenlisting officers made their way to the Arizona Memorial for their individual reenlistment ceremonies.
I was lucky enough to be asked by two station sailors to be their reenlisting officer and we were on the first boat out after the President left. After the two reenlistment ceremonies, while waiting for the boat to return to the pier, we had the opportunity to take in the somberness of our location. Fifty years ago, at the very moment that we were standing on the Memorial, looking into the water at the sunken USS Arizona, oil still rising to the surface, 1,177 sailors had just lost their lives and the Arizona, for many of them, had become their tomb. Let me tell you, as a sailor who did six of my 25 years on a ship, it brought a lump to my throat and tears to my eyes. Almost everyone who left the memorial that day had red eyes. Without a doubt, this was the most momentous event of my Naval career.
Like said as of this day oil is still rising to the surface above USS ARIZONA memorial.
I wonder if this country could withstand such a demand today? Our economy just about tanked after 9/11. My parents were part of that greatest generation. Much respect for all of those who endured those years.
Absolutely! September 2, 1945, what a day that must have been!
"Don't tread on us", really meant something, back then!
It was a total commitment on the part of those in the military to win the war...at all costs. And today? Our soldiers, sailors, marines, air force, guards are strong, capable and every bit as committed.
Originally Posted by RagTop69
I wonder if the Attorney General back then got on the radio and warned us all that we could be prosecuted for anti-Japanese remarks?
We put Japanese in internment camps. Was it the right decision? I can only say we were at war.
Originally Posted by BadgeZ28
I wonder if this country could withstand such a demand today?...
The fighting force we have today is capable of defending our country. The leadership? I have no confidence.
Thanks for the thread and the pics. My dad served in the South Pacific.
Mine was in Europe.
Originally Posted by Not So Fast
Thanks Hammy
I wont forget because today is my birthday, the day before the sneaky bastards did this
NSF
Happy Birthday Bob, and many, many more!!!
Originally Posted by PDsVettes
I was stationed at NAS Barbers Point, HI, in 1991 as a Chief Warrant Officer assigned to the station's Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department (AIMD).
President Bush conducted a memorial service of the 50th anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor at approximately 8 AM. After that ceremony cleared and the President had left the Arizona Memorial, groups of reenlisting sailors and their reenlisting officers made their way to the Arizona Memorial for their individual reenlistment ceremonies.
I was lucky enough to be asked by two station sailors to be their reenlisting officer and we were on the first boat out after the President left. After the two reenlistment ceremonies, while waiting for the boat to return to the pier, we had the opportunity to take in the somberness of our location. Fifty years ago, at the very moment that we were standing on the Memorial, looking into the water at the sunken USS Arizona, oil still rising to the surface, 1,177 sailors had just lost their lives and the Arizona, for many of them, had become their tomb. Let me tell you, as a sailor who did six of my 25 years on a ship, it brought a lump to my throat and tears to my eyes. Almost everyone who left the memorial that day had red eyes. Without a doubt, this was the most momentous event of my Naval career.
Thank you for that very moving story!
Originally Posted by RagTop69
I wonder if the Attorney General back then got on the radio and warned us all that we could be prosecuted for anti-Japanese remarks? My how things have changed.
If my dad were alive today, he'd wonder what the hell he fought for.
Originally Posted by BadgeZ28
I wonder if this country could withstand such a demand today? Our economy just about tanked after 9/11. My parents were part of that greatest generation. Much respect for all of those who endured those years.
I firmly believe the United States would be incapable of winning WWII today.
Our armed services would most certainly be committed, but our leaders would not.
I can just imagine, soldiers just before hitting the beaches on D-Day, being told, "do not call the enemy *****,...not all Germans are *****,...they are to be referred to as, "German combatants."
Originally Posted by ruxvette
It was a total commitment on the part of those in the military to win the war...at all costs. And today? Our soldiers, sailors, marines, air force, guards are strong, capable and every bit as committed.
We put Japanese in internment camps. Was it the right decision? I can only say we were at war.
The fighting force we have today is capable of defending our country. The leadership? I have no confidence.
God bless America!
Originally Posted by jeb6754
I've had to man the rails of a Navy ship as we passed the Arizona memorial.
Heard today that somebody said that the oil is the tears of the Arizona.
It is a shame that not one of battleships that survived or was re-floated and earned battle stars in the Pacific Theater wasn't preserved and made into a museum ship.
I remember reading about the USS Missouri after she was recommissioned for the final tour of duty. The story was the new captain was told, "Don't you let anything happen to this ship. She's pretty important."
My Mother was in the Army and my Father was in the Army Air Corps.
It is a shame that not one of battleships that survived or was re-floated and earned battle stars in the Pacific Theater wasn't preserved and made into a museum ship.
12-06-2015, 12:23 PM
A moment of silence at 7:48 am...
