Here stands the Pearl Harbor Memorial Fountain a place for reflection. This memorial does not focus on a single ship. It recognizes all ships sunk or damaged on December 7 1941.
I will tell you about the Pearl Harbor Memorial Fountain. It stands as a testament to the sacrifices made during the attack. The fountain attempts to honor all the ships that suffered that day. It serves as a place for quiet contemplation. It is a reminder of the events that changed the course of history.
The Pearl Harbor Memorial Fountain is located inside Naval Station Pearl Harbor. The memorial features twelve eight-foot metal and glass markers. They rise from a shallow pool surrounding a fountain. Eleven markers represent ships lost or damaged in the attack. The twelfth marker bears a dedication. It honors those who risked and sacrificed so much that day.
The ships memorialized in the glass panels include several vessels. There is the USS Arizona. There is the USS California. There is the USS Helena. The USS Honolulu is also listed. Others include the USS Maryland. Then there is the USS Nevada. The USS Oklahoma is also represented. The USS Pennsylvania is included. The USS Raleigh is also on the list. There is the USS Tennessee. Finally there is the USS West Virginia.
Each marker consists of a unique metal station and an illuminated panel of glass. The ships’ descriptions and the dedication are etched into the glass. They provide information and context to visitors. Each etched name evokes a sense of solemn remembrance.
The driving force behind the Pearl Harbor Memorial Fountain was then-Capt. Dennis Blair. He was the former commanding officer of Naval Station Pearl Harbor. He later retired as Commander-in-Chief of the US Pacific Fleet in 2002. Capt. Blair sought to create a memorial. It would honor the memory of those affected by the attack. He turned to the Navy League for assistance.
The Honolulu Council of the Navy League donated the fountain. Businessman Robert Tim Guard headed the council. The Pearl Harbor Memorial Fountain was originally dedicated in 1992. However design flaws necessitated major repairs. It was rededicated in 1995 after these repairs were completed.
The Navy League formed an organization to manage the project. It was called “The Friends of Pearl Harbor.” This group handled the many contributions and paperwork involved. Mr. Jack J. McGarrity designed the fountain and its plaza. He did so at no cost. His design offers a place of peace and reflection.
Think about the water flowing gently around the markers. Each etched name stands as a testament to the lives altered forever on that fateful day. The Pearl Harbor Memorial Fountain serves as a place to remember the past. It stands for hope. It signifies a future where such events never happen again.
As you stand here at the Pearl Harbor Memorial Fountain consider the weight of history. Remember the stories etched in glass. Consider the dedication to those who sacrificed all. Let this place serve as a reminder of the importance of peace. The fountain offers a space for reflection. It honors the memory of those who served. Let’s carry their stories forward always.