Pearl Harbor 80 Years Later

Remembering Pearl Harbor

This is not our typical post, but today is not a typical day either.   Today marks the 80th anniversary of the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.  

These pictures were taken during a visit to the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial during a cruise vacation to Hawaii. The background of this image is the oil slick which still rises to the surface of the water around the memorial. 

These images remain in my mind several years after our visit. We were so moved by our visit, we went back the next day for a second visit. 

Out of respect to the Sailors and Marines entombed below, visitors are asked to remain silent during their visit. The silence adds to the eerie atmosphere at the memorial. 

Cruise vacations to Hawaii, often start or end in Honolulu, Oahu. I would encourage you to visit the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial during your visit there. It is even more moving when you visit on or around December 7th. 

For more information about U.S.S. Arizona Memorial and today's events, see the National Park Service website.

 "December 7, 1941 — a date which will live in infamy — the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.” — Franklin Delano Roosevelt 

The attack caught America by surprise, killing 2,400 Americans, sinking 12 ships and destroying 188 aircraft -- and triggering U.S. entry into World War II. In fact, the U.S. declared war on Japan the following day when FDR made the above quote. Eighty years ago today, at precisely the moment that I started this column, the United States was drawn into World War II when Pearl Harbor was attacked. While this was before I was born, it is still a date that is impossible for me to forget.

Watch this video made by one of the two remaining survivors of Pearl Harbor.  

Louis Conter was aboard the USS Arizona when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. More than 1,170 of the ship’s crewmen died, and 2,403 total lives were lost that Sunday morning. But Conter survived, and he bravely served in the Navy until 1967 when he retired at the rank of lieutenant commander. The Knights of Columbus salutes Conter, a member of Father Nicholas Phelan Council 1875, on the 80th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor.

 

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Memorable Moments in National Parks

Yellowstone National Park

Mammoth Hot Springs

This may come as a shock to some of you but, despite the name of this blog, I do travel by other means of transportation other than cruise ship.

On this particular trip, one of our stops was at Yellowstone National Park, which spans several states: Wyoming, Montana and Idaho.

North Entrance -
This 37-foot (11-m) dormant hot spring cone marks the northern portion of Mammoth Hot Springs.

Liberty Cap & 
Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel



Minerva Spring & Cleopatra Spring 

This popular stop along the Mammoth Hot Springs trail has a wide range of colors and ornate travertine formations.  A boardwalk spans the hill allowing for close up exploration without danger.

We've seen many sights in our journeys around the world, but Mammoth Hot Springs ranks among the most impressive memories of nature.
There is a lot more to see here.  These images were taken during the first moments within Yellowstone National Park.



Want to learn more about our National Parks?   The inspiration for this article came from a Twitter chat.   Today they are featuring #Memories as the subject matter for photo submissions.

#ParksChat is a weekly Twitter chat where anyone can participate and talk about the week's selected Topic/Destination. 

NationalParksImages.org

Topic for this week (10/17/2014): #memories

Let's talk about our memorable things and share some of our memorable pics in our Parks  -- Use hashtag #ParksChat and #memories

Follow us on Twitter: @ChrisPappinMCC  Pinterest: CruiseWithChris Pappin and Facebook: CruiseWithChris Pappin Cruises Inc for more ideas.

 

A Lady That Still Shines at 125

125th Anniversary 

Statue of Liberty

October 28, 2011

Liberty Enlightening the World

On October 28, 1886, the Statue of Liberty was dedicated.  It was later designated as a National Monument in 1924, restored for her centennial on July 4, 1986, and now for her 125th, is undergoing a renovation of the 125 year old pedestal and the 200 year old fort base from which the statue rises.

A gift of friendship from the people of France to the people of the United States... The Statue of Liberty is a universal symbol of freedom and democracy.

The 1886 dedication was attended by President Grover Cleveland, who proclaimed on that day that 'Liberty' would "magnify France beyond the seas." The dedication was followed by a fireworks display and New York City's first ever 'Ticker Tape' parade.

Honor History, Envision the Future

The National Park Service theme for the 125th anniversary events was 'Honor History, Envision the Future.'   The program for the day was jointly sponsored by the National Park Service and their proud partners at the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Foundation, the Coca-Cola Company and Macy's. 

The goal of the celebration was  to re-create, to the greatest extent possible, the actual program that guided that day's events 125 years ago.  The day  included a naturalization ceremony, musical performances, a gun salute, a U.S. Coast Guard sponsored Flotilla, FDNY Fireboat water spout display, a presentation of "Gifts of Friendship" to a representative of the French government, and the ceremonial 'lighting' of the new 'torch webcam' that will showcase views of NY Harbor and the Statue from the vantage point of Lady Liberty's torch.  Read more about the day's events on the NPS website.

The TorchCam is LIVE - Enjoy the views! 

Several remarkable views will be just a touch of a mouse away. On clear days, three cameras will provide unobstructed panoramas and live views of the famed New York City skyline, along with a front row seat to watch views of the majestic Hudson River and ships in New York Harbor. And that's just looking out. The two remaining cameras provide truly unique views. One provides a ultra wide-angle interactive view of the famed golden torch; and the final camera looks downward.

Be Social, Join the Conversation!

http://www.facebook.com/statuelibrtynps
http://www.twitter.com/statuelibrtynps

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How tall is the Statue and what does that tablet say?
The Statue of Liberty's statistics and symbolism

What was October 28, 1886 in New York City really like?
This day in Statue of Liberty's history

Statue of Liberty National Monument 
to Remain OPEN During Renovation
Plans for the 2011-2012 restoration of Lady Liberty

View from a Cruise Ship

The Statue of Liberty can be seen from several vantage points around the New York / New Jersey shores or islands.  Each of these views are magnificent, but in my mind, nothing is more magnificent than sailing into New York harbor at sunrise and seeing the Statue of Liberty as your cruise ship approaches.  Imagine you were one of the immigrants who had left everything, including family, to venture to the new world for a new life, and behold you saw Lady Liberty standing in your path.   It would take your breath away, as it should for everyone that understands what she stands for.

We have been fortunate to sail into and out of New York or New Jersey cruise ports on several occasions, but we won't forget the Trans-Atlantic in 2000 where not only did we see the Statue of Liberty as we sailed in from Europe, but the twin towers of The World Trade Center.  Little did we know that would be our last cruise where we'd see those towers.

There are several options for cruising into or out of New York / New Jersey cruise ports.  We highly recommend you add that to your bucket list.   We'd be happy to discuss the various options with you when you are ready to plan.