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Sunday finally arrived - the reason why the band embarked on this journey in the first place. It might've been just me, but I thought there was a bit of anxiety or nervous energy running through the band Sunday morning. It was going to be a hot day, but surely one that would create lifetime memories, and I think we can look back and say without a doubt that we'll remember this day for a long, long time.
We arrived a little early to Pearl Harbor (truly a first all week) which gave the band a little extra time to mill around the area before we went in for our scheduled film time. The film is a pre-requisite before anyone can visit the Arizona Memorial and it's an intriguing 15-minute film with incredible footage - ask you student about it and what they learned.
Before the film started however, the Park Ranger introducing the film took a few seconds to recognize Allen Christenbury as a Pearl Harbor survivor, as well as congratulating him and Rebecca on their 65 years of marriage.
After the film, we boarded the launch and went out to the memorial. Allen, Rebecca and her sister Sarah were allowed off first and they headed to the back of the Memorial where the wall of names are inscribed. A few minutes later the drum majors laid a wreath in honor of the fallen. With the band in the background, Allen - with Rebecca by his side - and the drum majors saluted the wreath. Shortly thereafter the emotions took over. The Christenbury's knew this would be an emotional experience and we did too, but we were definitely not prepared for Allen's tears.
These were moments that need not be recorded by film or digital camera. This was an experience that will sear itself into our minds - the reality of Pearl Harbor brought into focus by the emotions of someone who survived the horror of that day.
A little while later, the band trolleyed over to the USS Missouri to prepare for their afternoon performance. After a quick lunch, they changed into uniforms and warmed up in the blazing early afternoon sun. With warm ups finished, they marched onto the pier of the USS Missouri and played through their selection of music. It was an excellent performance and a great way to pretty much cap off the trip!
After some group photos (each band member received a free copy), we boarded the buses and came back to the hotel for some rest and showers (did I mention it was rather hot out there?). Sunday evening was dinner at Hard Rock Cafe with a special birthday treat for Michael "Big Slow" Williamson, but more so the band wished the Christenbury's a Happy 65th Anniversary with 3 sheet cakes!
Below are photo galleries from the Arizona Memorial and the USS Missouri. I have photos from Hard Rock plus a veritable boatload of miscellaneous pictures. I'll get those posted - hopefully before we take flight back to the mainland - but I may just post them on the main Pearl Harbor page.
