Visiting Pearl Harbour the week before the 2024 US Election felt right—it was a time to honour the past and, in some respects, bid adieu to certain rights and freedoms…

Being at Pearl Harbor was unlike any other historical site I had visited. It wasn’t simply about seeing relics of the past; it was a journey into one of the most tragic and defining moments of American history. I had always known about the attack on Pearl Harbor from my Uncle Tony, who had been there, books and movies, but standing there amidst the remnants of that fateful day brought a heavy and indescribable feeling. The weight of history was felt right through my body.

USS Arizona Memorial

As we approached the USS Arizona Memorial, I felt so emotional—just below the surface lay the final resting place for over 900 servicemen, a powerful reminder of the lives lost on December 7, 1941. Being able to look down at the wreckage and look across the harbour where the other battleships once stood, the weight of sacrifice overwhelmed me. It wasn’t just steel and history; it was the memory of lives that were suddenly and violently taken. I thought about the people who had once walked those decks, finishing their breakfast, performing their daily routines and feeling safe in the harbour—completely unaware that their lives were about to change forever.

A humbling experience.

One of the most surreal moments came when I looked down over what once was the USS Arizona—I couldn’t help but feel humbled, as if I was intruding on sacred ground.

The site itself is a symbol of resilience and respect. The other ships surrounding the Arizona that had also been struck, sunk or capsized are reminders of the coordinated chaos and destruction that rained down that day. Seeing the spots where these ships once stood alongside the Arizona, I couldn’t comprehend the fear, courage, and chaos experienced by those who served. I felt a strong appreciation not only for the sailors but also for the civilians, medical teams, and all who rushed to save lives amid the devastation. Their bravery in those moments can’t be truly understood without standing there, feeling the weight of their sacrifice.

Reflecting on my Uncle Tony’s stories made this visit deeply personal. Uncle Tony had been there—he had lived through that day, and as a survivor, his memories carried both sadness and pride. When I was a kid, I remember him speaking about the attack, but I was too young to comprehend what he was feeling or even explain. I wish I had been older then, wise enough to sit and listen to those memories—to recall them so I could share his experience with my kids as we stood in silence commemorating those who gave their lives for their country.

Spiritosanto brothers: Uncle John, Grandpa (Gregory), Uncle Tony and Uncle Jim

One particularly moving story I learned at Pearl Harbor was the legacy of the USS Arizona’s survivors. The survivors, many of whom spent the rest of their lives haunted by the attack, were offered the rare honour of being interred with their shipmates upon passing. The idea of choosing to rest among the fallen from that day is a testament to the bond and loyalty formed among them. I couldn’t imagine a greater honour for these brave individuals who endured that horror. For these veterans, it was an eternal homecoming with the brothers they had left behind.

It’s one thing to read about history in a book; it’s quite another to stand in its presence.

Visiting Pearl Harbor offered more than historical insight—it was a chance to see and feel the stories behind the facts. I was moved by the handwritten letters from survivors, artifacts from that day, and the detailed accounts of bravery and courage. These were not just soldiers; they were young men with dreams, with families, with futures that were forever altered in mere minutes. I understood then that no history class could ever truly capture the humanity of that day as powerfully as being there.

Pearl Harbor taught me about sacrifice on a scale I hadn’t previously understood. The stories of bravery, dedication, and love of country went far beyond what could be expressed in words. As I left, I carried with me a profound sense of respect and gratitude. Visiting the memorial is not merely about learning history; it is about honouring those who were lost and recognizing the incredible bravery displayed in the face of unimaginable tragedy.

My visit to Pearl Harbor transformed how I understood history.

I realized the weight of sacrifice made by so many and the responsibility we bear to remember them. I wish I could go back and share this experience with Uncle Tony to let him know that, in some small way, I understood what he had seen, what he had felt, and what he had lost on that day. Though I can’t go back in time, I can honour him and all those who served by sharing their stories and preserving their legacy for future generations.

If you ever have the chance to visit Hawaii, don’t miss a visit to Pearl Harbor (O’ahu, HI), it’s truly a remarkable experience.

Erin x.