Pearl Harbor’s USS Arizona Memorial marking 50th anniversary with special events

The USS Arizona Memorial’s construction grew out of a wartime resolve to honor those who lost their lives during the Dec. 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor.  It was dedicated on Memorial Day, 1962.

The 184-foot-long memorial structure spans the mid-portion of the sunken battleship — the final resting place for many of the ship’s 1,177 crewmen who lost their lives during the attack that propelled the U.S. into World War II.

To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the USS Arizona Memorial and to recognize Memorial Day 2012, WWII Valor in the Pacific National Monument is hosting several special events, beginning tomorrow and concluding on the evening of Mon., May 28.

Here are some of the highlights slated for the anniversary and holiday observance. 

• USS Arizona Memorial Fundraiser 2012 Golf Event — 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Kaneohe Klipper Golf Course, Marine Corps Base, Kaneohe Bay, Oahu. Fee: $150 per golfer, includes banquet. For more information, click here.

• Marine Corps Honor Guard — Saturday, Sunday and Monday, USS Arizona Memorial. The Marine Corps Honor Guard from Kaneohe Bay will hold a vigil guard in the memorial’s shrine room in honor of the 50th anniversary.

• Floral Tribute — Monday. WWII Valor in the Pacific National Monument will be paying tribute to all who gave their lives in service to this country by providing every program ticket-holder with a tribute flower and a commemorative card. Visitors will be able to participate in a floral tribute during their visit to the USS Arizona Memorial. (On Sunday, starting at noon, the memorial will be closed in preparation for holiday/anniversary ceremonies. The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, its audio tour and two museums will remain open during its regular hours, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

• Golden Anniversary Pearl Harbor Boat Tours — 5:30 p.m. Sunday and Monday, Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. Individuals pitching in at least $50 to the USS Arizona Memorial Restoration Project are invited to take part in a special Sunset Boat Tour to the USS Arizona Memorial. This rare opportunity to experience the memorial afterhours will include a fully narrated tour around Ford Island led by National Park Service Rangers. Attendees may bring a guest. For more information, or to reserve seats, call 808-954-8721.

For more information about Pearl Harbor events tied to the 50th anniversary of the USS Arizona Memorial and the Memorial Day holiday, click here or call 808-954-8778.