...And Then Scotty Happened. A Hawaiian Adventure (CHAPTER 32 Added 5/23--THE END)

[GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes]

Not at all! I actually tried to find out what its name was and significance but struck out. So you filled in quite nicely.

Well… then if it’s not stepping out of bounds, here’s a bit more of the story on the design of this fine monument (and it’s a good story).

The memorial was dedicated on Memorial Day, 1962. Per US Navy requirements, it spans the sunken hull of the battleship Arizona like a bridge without touching it. Visually the basic shape of a peak at either end connected by a “sag” in the center of the structure evokes two separate ideas. First it has the appearance of an out stretched white sail hovering above the waters of the harbor. Secondly that often criticized “sag” represents the height of American pride before the war, the sudden depression of the nation after the attack on December 7th, and the rise of American power to new heights after the war.

The architect describe it this way: “Wherein the structure sags in the center but stands strong and vigorous at the ends, expresses initial defeat and ultimate victory … The overall effect is one of serenity. Overtones of sadness have been omitted to permit the individual to contemplate his own personal responses … his innermost feelings.”

The central assembly room features seven large open “windows” on either wall that extend up and through the ceiling, to commemorate the date of the attack. The total number of openings is 21 to symbolically represents a 21 gun salute or 21 Marines standing at eternal parade rest over the tomb of the fallen sailors. The other major feature is the stylized Tree of Life design at one end; the end which represents America’s growth from loss and return to strength.

There is also an opening in the floor overlooking the sunken decks of the ship. From here visitors can pay their respects by dropping flowers in honor of the fallen sailors. Note that you should not drop leis in the water though, only flowers. This is because string from leis poses a hazard to sea-life. Leis are permitted on the guard rails located in front of the names of the fallen.

A little about the architect…
Alfred Preis was born and raised in Vienna, Austria. He left there in 1939 to escape the German annexation of his homeland and eventually settled in Honolulu. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, he was detained there for three months at the Sand Island Detainment Camp as part of the internment policy of Japanese and German Americans. Afterward he chose to remain in Hawaii and is known for having designed a number of buildings and structures on the island.




We now return this hijacked TR back to its genial host who will have far more entertaining stories and pictures to share with all of us.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

I'm on the edge of my seat waiting to see what you add to a PB&J to make it Better...

Bacon?

Mark, the whole Chapter 4 was fascinating, from start to finish. Our not visiting Pearl Harbor when we were there 30 years for our honeymoon is the one thing we regret from that trip. After reading your chapter, I could kick myself in the behind even more.

Oh. Well, in that case, you didn't miss anything.

COmbining a PB&J with a cheesburger? Would this be Oblivious Heaven?

I think you're confusing me with Elvis. We eat PB&J more out of necessity.

Sounds like a reason to go back.... just saying.

Great update on Pearl Harbor, and how super your kids got to hear the story from an actual eyewitness account!!!

It was really awesome!

As someone who has a father who fought in and is a survivor of WWII, and served in the Navy in the Pacific (although just a little young to enlist until after Pearl Harbor), this has always been one of my favorite parts of history to research and study. I really appreciate all of the pictures and details your TR provided that are different from what is normally seen!

I'm fascinated by WWII as well. Just started a book about a secret OSS mission in the Italian Alps. Anyway, I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter.

And I am another one who is saddened by those who visit historic sites like this who take the privilege for granted, and don't give it the proper reverence and respect it deserves! I'm so glad those who give the actual tours don't kid around when stressing the significance!

You can count on the military to provide proper decorum.

 

[Ruthie5671]

So just a few things . . .

The pictures - just amazing.

Your interpretation of the Pearl Harbor visit - brought chills to my spine.

And the unplanned meet up with the man who had lived the history - also just amazing.

And you're only on day two! I cannot wait to read some more.

 

[declansdad]

Great updates. Happy to see you didn't get too far while I was away.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Mine or yours?

“Yours!”

“Damn…”

“Why are you here!”

“Why am I here? Why are you here? Why is anybody here? I think it was Jean-Paul Sartre who once said... how do you spell Sartre?”

Not exactly like that. There were times when I knew more about the topic then the folks teaching.

No sense in taking that topic any farther though, it’d just detract from your otherwise joyful and entertaining TR.

Now that I believe.

Hey, at least you can say you have a 2nd career option when the current job becomes too much to bear.

No… but “People” do have a tendency to evoke that reaction in me as well.

Oh… well then I need to add a hamburger to that pineapple and pork belly ingredient list.

It's shooting fish in a barrel...

Yes, there is life beyond Disney, hard as it is to imagine. What a magical experience to meet someone who was there as a child and to share that with your children. They will never forget.

It is a special place, a reverent place and to add that to it, wow.

Amazing.

I hope they don't forget it. We were only there for a couple of hours, but it was an important couple of hours.

 

[aboveH20]

Well… then if it’s not stepping out of bounds, here’s a bit more of the story on the design of this fine monument (and it’s a good story).

The memorial was dedicated on Memorial Day, 1962. Per US Navy requirements, it spans the sunken hull of the battleship Arizona like a bridge without touching it. Visually the basic shape of a peak at either end connected by a “sag” in the center of the structure evokes to separate ideas. First it has the appearance of an out stretched white sail hovering above the waters of the harbor. Secondly that often criticized “sag” represents the height of American pride before the war, the sudden depression of the nation after the attack on December 7th, and the rise of American power to new heights after the war.

The architect describe it this way: “Wherein the structure sags in the center but stands strong and vigorous at the ends, expresses initial defeat and ultimate victory … The overall effect is one of serenity. Overtones of sadness have been omitted to permit the individual to contemplate his own personal responses … his innermost feelings.”

The central assembly room features seven large open “windows” on either wall that extend up and through the ceiling, to commemorate the date of the attack. The total number of openings is 21 to symbolically represents a 21 gun salute or 21 Marines standing at eternal parade rest over the tomb of the fallen sailors. The other major feature is the stylized Tree of Life design at one end; the end which represents America’s growth from loss and return to strength.

There is also an opening in the floor overlooking the sunken decks of the ship. From here visitors can pay their respects by dropping flowers in honor of the fallen sailors. Note that you should not drop leis in the water though, only flowers. This is because string from leis poses a hazard to sea-life. Leis are permitted on the guard rails located in front of the names of the fallen.

A little about the architect…
Alfred Preis was born and raised in Vienna, Austria. He left there in 1939 to escape the German annexation of his homeland and eventually settled in Honolulu. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, he was detained there for three months at the Sand Island Detainment Camp as part of the internment policy of Japanese and German Americans. Afterward he chose to remain in Hawaii and is known for having designed a number of buildings and structures on the island.




We now return this hijacked TR back to its genial host who will have far more entertaining stories and pictures to share with all of us.

Speaking of hijacking . . . . . .thanks for sharing this info. As navy parents we are very interested in visiting Pearl Harbor. Although I went 30+ years ago, I know it will be a very different experience this time.

I see you're from "SC". Assuming that's South Carolina and not So Cal or some other place, I'll do a quick pitch for Patriot's Point. If you're from South Carolina, no doubt you've been, but I went there following my son's graduation from power school. Unbeknownst (how often do you get to use that word!) to me they had a memorial section and I was able to find the name of my uncle who is on "eternal patrol" somewhere in the Pacific. Very moving, very cool.


Scotty's dad: I'm loving your report and appreciate all you shared about Pearl Harbor, too.

 

[GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes]

Speaking of hijacking . . . . . .thanks for sharing this info. As navy parents we are very interested in visiting Pearl Harbor. Although I went 30+ years ago, I know it will be a very different experience this time.

I see you're from "SC". Assuming that's South Carolina and not So Cal or some other place, I'll do a quick pitch for Patriot's Point. If you're from South Carolina, no doubt you've been, but I went there following my son's graduation from power school. Unbeknownst (how often do you get to use that word!) to me they had a memorial section and I was able to find the name of my uncle who is on "eternal patrol" somewhere in the Pacific. Very moving, very cool.


Scotty's dad: I'm loving your report and appreciate all you shared about Pearl Harbor, too.

[HIJACK]

Hi there!
That would be South Carolina and I agree with you that Patriots point in one of the finer Navel museums around. I’m particularly looking forward to them being able to raise enough funds to break ground on their planed new building to house the current Medal of Honor memorial and museum.

Actually both Mark and I have written about our travels to that that very fine destination.
Mark’s experiences are related in his “Operation Big Thunder” TR
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2967974
in the “Check Point Patriot” chapter

My recent writings on it are in my “Non Disney” TR - “I should’a taken that left in Albuquerque”
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3047307
in parts of Chapter 3: “A Lack of Adult Supervision”

If you’re interested.


Not enough can be said for the effort that the folks down there put into maintaining that monument and learning center.

[/HIJACK]

 

[aboveH20]

[HIJACK]

Hi there!
That would be South Carolina and I agree with you that Patriots point in one of the finer Navel museums around. I’m particularly looking forward to them being able to raise enough funds to break ground on their planed new building to house the current Medal of Honor memorial and museum.

Actually both Mark and I have written about our travels to that that very fine destination.
Mark’s experiences are related in his “Operation Big Thunder” TR
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2967974
in the “Check Point Patriot” chapter

My recent writings on it are in my “Non Disney” TR - “I should’a taken that left in Albuquerque”
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3047307
in parts of Chapter 3: “A Lack of Adult Supervision”

If you’re interested.


Not enough can be said for the effort that the folks down there put into maintaining that monument and learning center.

[/HIJACK]

Thank you for the links -- off to read.

(We've also been to Battleship Cove in Massachusetts. My husband is an army brat ((and Vietnam vet)) and he enjoyed remembering sailing across the Pacific with his family on the way to Formosa, now Taiwan.)

Last time he was in Hawaii he was on R'n'R from his job with Uncle Sam.

 

[carissa1970]

Great TR so far! Can't wait to read more. We were at Aulani last year, and will be going again next year. Your photos are great!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Excellent update on Pearl Harbor. I appreciate the fact that my DW and I were able to visit this historic site on our honeymoon and intend to make sure that my childern visit someday as well.

I'm sure you agree it's worth the time and effort to visit.

I'm in the same boat as you regarding the nature of a lot of people these days. As Lee Greenwood sang in our favorite 4th of July tune, I'm proud to be an American. Unfortunately there are too many people out there who don't get it.

What'd you say? Sorry, I was checking my Angry Birds score.

I finally found the time to read your very interesting update about Pearl Harbour.

The fascinating thing for me is that it is a WWII memorial that is not about the bad things my country did (or at least not directly related to it). It seems to be a very special place and a very well done memorial and museum. It will certainly be very high on my list of places to visit in Hawaii, so all your practical tips are very much appreciated!

Hope it helps you out! One interesting, less-discussed portion talks about some of the bad things my country did to Japanese-Americans during that time.

And how annoying that people were not treating the memorial with the respect it deserves. Were there signs saying that people should not use their mobiles? In a few of the larger churches here in Europe that get lots of tourists visiting them that they actually have people (volunteers it seems) to go around and remind people of how to behave properly in a church. They even got me once, I am ashamed to admit. But if you are there with a million tourists, it is easy to forget where you are. So maybe that might be an option for the memorial as well?

There were statements on the park maps/brochures asking for proper decorum and respect, and I believe the Navy personnel made mention of it once or twice as well. I don't think there was anyone inside the memorial itself to help enforce the policy, though. I could be wrong on that.

Well… then if it’s not stepping out of bounds, here’s a bit more of the story on the design of this fine monument (and it’s a good story).

The memorial was dedicated on Memorial Day, 1962. Per US Navy requirements, it spans the sunken hull of the battleship Arizona like a bridge without touching it. Visually the basic shape of a peak at either end connected by a “sag” in the center of the structure evokes two separate ideas. First it has the appearance of an out stretched white sail hovering above the waters of the harbor. Secondly that often criticized “sag” represents the height of American pride before the war, the sudden depression of the nation after the attack on December 7th, and the rise of American power to new heights after the war.

The architect describe it this way: “Wherein the structure sags in the center but stands strong and vigorous at the ends, expresses initial defeat and ultimate victory … The overall effect is one of serenity. Overtones of sadness have been omitted to permit the individual to contemplate his own personal responses … his innermost feelings.”

The central assembly room features seven large open “windows” on either wall that extend up and through the ceiling, to commemorate the date of the attack. The total number of openings is 21 to symbolically represents a 21 gun salute or 21 Marines standing at eternal parade rest over the tomb of the fallen sailors. The other major feature is the stylized Tree of Life design at one end; the end which represents America’s growth from loss and return to strength.

There is also an opening in the floor overlooking the sunken decks of the ship. From here visitors can pay their respects by dropping flowers in honor of the fallen sailors. Note that you should not drop leis in the water though, only flowers. This is because string from leis poses a hazard to sea-life. Leis are permitted on the guard rails located in front of the names of the fallen.

A little about the architect…
Alfred Preis was born and raised in Vienna, Austria. He left there in 1939 to escape the German annexation of his homeland and eventually settled in Honolulu. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, he was detained there for three months at the Sand Island Detainment Camp as part of the internment policy of Japanese and German Americans. Afterward he chose to remain in Hawaii and is known for having designed a number of buildings and structures on the island.

This is great stuff! Thanks for adding to the story.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

So just a few things . . .

The pictures - just amazing.

Your interpretation of the Pearl Harbor visit - brought chills to my spine.

And the unplanned meet up with the man who had lived the history - also just amazing.

And you're only on day two! I cannot wait to read some more.

Thank you! I must give credit for amazing pictures to the photographer...my wife.

Great updates. Happy to see you didn't get too far while I was away.

Well, you can't rush art.

Speaking of hijacking . . . . . .thanks for sharing this info. As navy parents we are very interested in visiting Pearl Harbor. Although I went 30+ years ago, I know it will be a very different experience this time.

I see you're from "SC". Assuming that's South Carolina and not So Cal or some other place, I'll do a quick pitch for Patriot's Point. If you're from South Carolina, no doubt you've been, but I went there following my son's graduation from power school. Unbeknownst (how often do you get to use that word!) to me they had a memorial section and I was able to find the name of my uncle who is on "eternal patrol" somewhere in the Pacific. Very moving, very cool.


Scotty's dad: I'm loving your report and appreciate all you shared about Pearl Harbor, too.

aboard! I agree; Patriots Point was an excellent Naval museum and well worth the time to explore. How many chances do you get to walk on an aircraft carrier?

Thank you to all of your family members for their service.

[HIJACK]

Hi there!
That would be South Carolina and I agree with you that Patriots point in one of the finer Navel museums around. I’m particularly looking forward to them being able to raise enough funds to break ground on their planed new building to house the current Medal of Honor memorial and museum.

Actually both Mark and I have written about our travels to that that very fine destination.
Mark’s experiences are related in his “Operation Big Thunder” TR
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2967974
in the “Check Point Patriot” chapter

My recent writings on it are in my “Non Disney” TR - “I should’a taken that left in Albuquerque”
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3047307
in parts of Chapter 3: “A Lack of Adult Supervision”

If you’re interested.


Not enough can be said for the effort that the folks down there put into maintaining that monument and learning center.

[/HIJACK]

I knew you'd have that one covered.

Thank you for the links -- off to read.

(We've also been to Battleship Cove in Massachusetts. My husband is an army brat ((and Vietnam vet)) and he enjoyed remembering sailing across the Pacific with his family on the way to Formosa, now Taiwan.)

Last time he was in Hawaii he was on R'n'R from his job with Uncle Sam.

Sounds like you have one well-traveled family!

Great TR so far! Can't wait to read more. We were at Aulani last year, and will be going again next year. Your photos are great!

Thanks! I'm sure I don't need to sell you on Aulani!

 

[Wherem I Now]

Too much to comment on in the last several updates. I just wanted to say thanks for your insights into Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona memorial. Great pictures and a lucky encounter with the gentleman who witnessed the attack. It's sad to see that generation fading away and even more sad is the lack of respect shown by many who visit these memorials.

 

[franandaj]

I’m going to tell you something that may shock you. Indeed, it may shake the very foundations of your worldview. I’ve tried to find a way to soften the blow, but there’s just no easy way to say it.

There’s more to see in this world than Disney properties.

I am painfully aware of this. Something that my 3D friends remind me of constantly.

It turned out this man was an eyewitness to the attack. An Oahu native, he lived on his family’s farm about a mile away from Pearl Harbor at the time. He had been out playing with his buddies on the railroad tracks when the Japanese Zeroes arrived. At first, he and his friends thought it was just a war game going on, and they were lying down on the tracks and loudly cheering all of the explosions and fireworks. It was about an hour or so before they realized how serious this was. He talked about how his life changed from that point on, and how Hawaii went from being a sleepy island to suddenly living in fear, having to obey curfews and avoid suspicion (history shows how poorly Japanese-Americans were treated in the aftermath). He mentioned having to break curfew every morning in order to go milk the cows at 5:30 a.m., and at one time he ran afoul of a soldier who put a bayonet at his throat. In those years, he said, he was forced to grow up fast.

I am so thrilled that we got to meet him. I don’t know if there was any better way for my kids to hear about December 7, 1941. It was just one of those divine appointments that occasionally touches your life in a way you won’t forget..

This is a great story! How touching. It literally brings a tear to my eyes.

I was pretty disappointed in my fellow visitors. We had been told numerous times that this was a tomb, and decorum was appropriate, such as maintaining a respectful quiet. We walked inside and saw people texting, gabbing on their phones to their buddies, etc. It made me sad to see such a lack of respect..

People really do suck sometimes!

As far as we’re concerned, the monument is a must-see for any American.

Amen to THAT!

I really enjoyed this update, I want to go there even more now.

Well… then if it’s not stepping out of bounds, here’s a bit more of the story on the design of this fine monument (and it’s a good story).

Thanks for sharing that information. It adds to the understanding of the memorial.

 

[lovetotraveltx]

We have 2 20 something dd's. Hope to go next September. Anything you recommend or don't at Aulani and in the surrounding area? We have already done Pearl Harbor.

Thank you!

 

[lovetotraveltx]

Also, what guide book did you recommend?

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Too much to comment on in the last several updates. I just wanted to say thanks for your insights into Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona memorial. Great pictures and a lucky encounter with the gentleman who witnessed the attack. It's sad to see that generation fading away and even more sad is the lack of respect shown by many who visit these memorials.

Thanks, Mike. I'm sure the memorial will continue to be run as a special place for many years, and hopefully the future visitors will see it that way.

I am painfully aware of this. Something that my 3D friends remind me of constantly.

Are they the ones that go to the same beach every year?

This is a great story! How touching. It literally brings a tear to my eyes.

Thank you! It was such a cool experience. Just a few minutes, but special.

People really do suck sometimes!

Amen to THAT!

Amen to THAT!

Um...what were we talking about?

I really enjoyed this update, I want to go there even more now.

I hope you make it there!

Thanks for sharing that information. It adds to the understanding of the memorial.

Rob's good like that.

We have 2 20 something dd's. Hope to go next September. Anything you recommend or don't at Aulani and in the surrounding area? We have already done Pearl Harbor.

Thank you!

Well, I don't have 20-something dd's, but...

They do have a teen spa and an adult spa at Aulani. I didn't try it out, but if they're into that stuff it would be something to look forward to. At the risk of spoiling myself, you can check out Iolani Palace in Honolulu, Punchbowl Cemetery if you're into more military stuff and some nice views, and the Pali Overlook (on the Pali Highway) for gorgeous views of the windward side of the island. The Diamond Head hike is well worth doing, and Turtle Beach on the north shore gives you a great chance to see sea turtles in the wild.

We did not check out the Polynesian Cultural Center (due to expenses and a lack of time), but I have heard good things about it.

Also, what guide book did you recommend?

For Oahu, we used this one (Amazon link below):

Oahu Revealed

 

[GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes]

Rob's good like that.

Sometimes too much so...

 

[aboveH20]

Hi there!
That would be South Carolina and I agree with you that Patriots point in one of the finer Navel museums around. I’m particularly looking forward to them being able to raise enough funds to break ground on their planed new building to house the current Medal of Honor memorial and museum.

Actually both Mark and I have written about our travels to that that very fine destination.
Mark’s experiences are related in his “Operation Big Thunder” TR
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2967974
in the “Check Point Patriot” chapter

101 pages . . . . . . then I saw you directed me to the Patriot Point entry

Scotty's dad, I don't think you shared a photo of the brig. Seeing that was enough to make me think I'd behave on any voyages the navy invited me to join!

My recent writings on it are in my “Non Disney” TR - “I should’a taken that left in Albuquerque”
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3047307
in parts of Chapter 3: “A Lack of Adult Supervision”

If you’re interested.

Dayton! My husband graduated from high school in Dayton and then did ROTC at oHIo State.

One high school summer his job was sealing cracks on the runways at Wright-Patterson. (That was a few hundred years ago so if they looked a little shabby when you were there it's not his fault.)

<----- altogether, everyone sing, "It's a small world afterall. . . "

Okay, what else would you like to know about me

(I'm done hijacking, now I'll go back to reading about Aulani.)

 

[aboveH20]

We have 2 20 something dd's. Hope to go next September. Anything you recommend or don't at Aulani and in the surrounding area? We have already done Pearl Harbor.

Thank you!

Hmmmm. I have two 20 something sons.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

101 pages . . . . . . then I saw you directed me to the Patriot Point entry

But they're all entertaining pages. Well, some of them, anyway.

Scotty's dad, I don't think you shared a photo of the brig. Seeing that was enough to make me think I'd behave on any voyages the navy invited me to join!

No, I don't believe I had a picture of it. But yes, it is a powerful motivator!

And please, call me Mark. It's easier to type.

Dayton! My husband graduated from high school in Dayton and then did ROTC at oHIo State.

One high school summer his job was sealing cracks on the runways at Wright-Patterson. (That was a few hundred years ago so if they looked a little shabby when you were there it's not his fault.)

Maybe the brig was preferable?

<----- altogether, everyone sing, "It's a small world afterall. . . "

No! NOOOO!!!!

Okay, what else would you like to know about me

(I'm done hijacking, now I'll go back to reading about Aulani.)

What's your bank account number?

Hmmmm. I have two 20 something sons.

Where are we going with this?