Pearl Harbor

Both Brad and I have grandparents who are veterans.  Grandpa Packer fought in WWII as a bomber pilot and Grandpa Palmer served as a chaplain in the Air Force.  We are both very proud that they served our country and fought for our freedoms.  Going to see Pearl Harbor was very special for me because it reminded me of the many years these men served our country.

We were able to visit the USS Missouri.  We skipped the tour guide because of time, but met a few volunteers (mostly veterans) along the way who told us about the ship.  We were told by one veteran that this seat was one of the most important seats on the ship because whoever sat there made the decisions.

He also told us to look out for R2D2.

We  also had Doug to show us around.  Doug had been on the ship before and so he acted like our tour guide.  He told us things like why the walls for this room were two feet thick and. . .

. . . that this seal was the spot over which the peace treaty with Japan was signed.

But the neatest person we met on board was a veteran who actual served on the USS Missouri.  After the war, he had become a minister.  He recently retired and his congregation collected enough money to send him and his wife to Hawaii all expenses paid.  He had brought his "yearbook" of the ship and told us stories about the pictures.  Stories about how he passed the time on ship, his duties, and life aboard the ship.  And we got to thank him for his service.

Pearl Harbor was a beautiful memorial to our soldiers.  I hope to remember not only the sacrifices that our family has made for our country, but of the many veterans who have fought for freedom.