About World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument
As of 2019, the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument in Oahu has been replaced with Pearl Harbor National Memorial, Aleutian Islands World War II National Monument, and Tule Lake National Monument. The best site to visit on Oahu Island is the USS Arizona Memorial.
The sites provide an all-encompassing insight into the conflict in the Pacific in the Second World War, from the attack on Pearl Harbor, to the US entry into World War Two and beyond.
History of World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument
On 7 December 1941 at 7:55am, two waves of hundreds of Japanese aircraft launched their deadly attack on the US Pacific Fleet moored at Pearl Harbour on Oahu Island, Hawaii.
The raid only lasted about two hours, but its effects were devastating. Over 2,400 Americans were killed, with another 1,178 injured (under 100 Japanese were killed), 5 battleships were sunk, 16 more damaged and 188 aircraft had been destroyed.
The sites honour the Pacific Theater engagement of the United States during the Second World War.
World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument today
Visitors can see and experience several of the most important sites from this period, including the USS Arizona Memorial, Ford Island, USS Missouri, the USS Oklahoma Memorial, and the Pacific Aviation Museum.
Besides the site in Oahu, other branches of the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument are located in the Aleutian Islands in Alaska and in Newell, California (Tule Lake Unit).
Getting to World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument
The sites are located in a variety of different locations. From Oahu, the best to visit is the USS Arizona Memorial. It’s easy to get to via public transport as buses 20 and 42 stop just outside the park.
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