Pearl Harbor more memorial than memory

By Ellen Creager

Detroit Free Press (TNS)

Most people alive today recall the dreadful day of Sept. 11, 2001.

Far fewer of us can personally remember Dec. 7, 1941, when Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, was attacked by the Japanese.

The 75th anniversary of that event is this year. While more memorial than memory, Pearl Harbor still inspires:

Ceremony: December will see commemorations organized by the National Park Service and the U.S. Navy. Some events will be open to the public.

Travel: Many organizations are sponsoring special trips. Try “75th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor” by Military Historical Tours or “75th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor Symposium and Tour” offered by the National World War II Museum in New Orleans.

If you are in Honolulu and want to visit Pearl Harbor on your own, here are two options:

“Passport to Pearl Harbor”: Buy tickets directly from www.recreation.gov ($65). Includes all four main Pearl Harbor sites. If you just want to see the USS Arizona memorial, tickets are free.

“Air, Land and Sea Pearl Harbor Tour:” Visit the sites at Pearl Harbor then take a helicopter ride over Pearl Harbor and Honolulu.