As with most things in Honolulu, go early. The memorial opens at 7:30am. At 6:45am when we got there there were already 200 or so people in line. Not much of a gift shop, but there is one there.

At 6:10am we walked out of the Marriott turning away from the beach and crossed Kuhio Avenue. The bus stop at the corner had a bench to sit on while waiting for the number 20 bus. Ten minutes later we were on the bus headed for our destination. An hour and fifteen minutes later, the bus driver turned into the USS Arizona Memorial Visitor Center parking lot to let a number of riders off the bus. We found out later that the number 42 bus would have been much faster.

Even though we arrived ten minutes after the Visitor Center opening, the line was already wrapped around the expansive acre-sized lawn. With new arrivals pouring out of buses, vans, and cars, we raced to secure our spot in line. A park ranger worked his way down the line. Groups left the line as the ranger told them the rules for entering the Visitor Center. Visitors with purses, camera bags, strollers, backpacks, or any other items offering concealment are not allowed entry to the Visitor Center. Thieves often break into cars in the parking lot to steal valuables. Use the available storage lockers located near the USS Bowfin Museum and Park.

We were handed tickets with a group number printed on the ticket as we entered the Visitor Center. We were in group number five. Group one had already entered the theatre to see the short film before boarding the US Navy launches that ferry visitors between the Visitor Center and the Memorial.

While we were waiting for our group number to be called, we had ample opportunity to see the museum and visit the snack bar inside the Visitor Center. It took an hour and a half before our group was called.

We watched the short film providing a historical context for the attack on Pearl Harbor. As soon as the film stopped, we were out the doors and boarding the Navy launch. The ride over to the Memorial was pleasant and smooth.

From the launch we could see the USS Bowfin and Battleship Missouri.

Entering the Memorial is like entering a church. Visitors were respectful and somber. Tears of black fuel bunker oil still float to the water's surface and spread out into rainbow colored wreaths.

Names of the fallen heroes are chiseled into the granite wall on the far end. I share my family name with two men. Far from home I find a reminder that is close to home.

We reboarded the launch and returned to the Visitor Center. Hungry, we made our way to the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center for a late breakfast.

We walked up to the Nimitz Highway and found the bus stop. The bus dropped us off at our hotel an hour and a half later.

Pearl Harbor…what can you say about it that hasn't already been said? It's a moving experience, especially for those of us in the military. I visited the USS Arizona with four other military members. We were all touched by the film they show you when you arrive. It's been done from both a U.S. and a Japanese standpoint, and it's moving and informational, all at the same time. When you go out on the water and actually into the memorial itself, you feel a real appreciation and respect for those fallen seamen down below you. I found myself imagining how life must've been that day, and how grateful I am that they were there that day to defend our nation. In my opinion, it's a museum that all Americans should make an effort to see. Very worthwhile.