11. Perspectives on the Pacific War

John Dower is correct in describing WWII as a race war. It pitted America against what it viewed as a race of simians, or lesser humans, who proved to be ferocious fighters. The same attitudes were not held towards the Europeans we were at war with. Although Germany was our enemy, we as Americans did not express the same hatred for them as we did for the Japanese. At Pearl Harbor people from all walks of life, races, ethnicities, and nationalities can be seen. Surprisingly, given the amount of Asian tourists in Hawaii, very few could be seen there. Perhaps they feel they have no right to visit such a place...I truly do not know. What I did experience for the most part was people paying homage to fallen heroes. It is a somber place, and one that causes you to reflect on your own life. I am thankful for the opportunity to visit such a historic site. Hawaii is filled with places honoring the armed forces: Punchbowl Cemetery, The War Memorial, The U.S. Army Museum. Take the time to visit them all...Just seeing Pearl Harbor gives you a part of the story. Combined they create a powerful and moving experience that forces you to understand the sacrifice American men and women have made for our freedoms.

Random Thoughts:
This was the highlight of the trip for me. You can look at pictures or see films of Pearl Harbor but they do not convey the true emotion it invokes. To stand above what essentially is a tomb of over 1000 men (U.S.S. Arizona) humbles you. At first you question why these men were left in the sunken ship. But once you are there you realize it serves as a reminder of the impact it must have had on America's desire to fight to the end in WWII.