US Navy Confirms An Unpleasant Truth About The USS Arizona Memorial

(Photo by Kent Nishimura/Getty Images)

Deep.

On December 7th, 1941 the Imperial Japanese Navy attacked Pearl Harbor, claiming the lives of over 2,000 crewmen and thrusting the United States in WWII. The USS Arizona has remained the most iconic of the vessels lost that day as it remains on the sea floor as a tribute to those who lost their lives. Over the years, countless people have paid tribute at the memorial but now the US Navy has some unfortunate news.

As one would expect, the USS Arizona has endured some wear and tear over the years and the briny depths aren’t helping. The memorial’s boat dock recently was deemed unsafe by inspectors and repairs are taking longer than anticipated. As a result, the United States Navy has announced that the USS Arizona Memorial will be closed on December 7th.

“Not being able to welcome survivors and their families on the USS Arizona Memorial this coming December 7th is heartbreaking.”

– Jacqueline Ashwell (Superintendent of WWII Valor in the Pacific National Monument)

Repairs were expected to be completed by early October but now, it is projected to be finished by March 2019. However, the outpouring of tributes cannot be denied and the National Park Service has offered up an alternative.

“After exploring multiple options, we are working with our friends in the U.S. Navy to hold an intimate ceremony aboard a vessel adjacent to the USS Arizona. The Navy has been our partner every step of the way, and I could not be more grateful for their support.”

– Jacqueline Ashwell (Superintendent of WWII Valor in the Pacific National Monument)

It comes as shock to know that visitors will not be able to pay tribute to the fallen sailors of the USS Arizona. However, these are necessary measures that must be taken to ensure that future generations will be able to visit.