• Ordered in March 1913, the USS Arizona was one of the U.S. Navy’s superdreadnoughts, built to rival Britain’s HMS Dreadnaught.Traditionally, states are asked to provide a silver service for their namesake ship. At the time, Arizona’s state leaders opposed using tax money to pay the expense and a statewide fundraiser was organized instead.

     

    The presentation silver service in this exhibition is on long-term loan from the U.S. Navy. It represents Arizona’s historical past and natural beauty, which is depicted throughout the various images engraved on the silver pieces.

     

    On December 7, 1941, the USS Arizona was destroyed when Imperial Japan bombed Pearl Harbor, sinking the ship and killing 1,177 crewmen onboard. This tragic event signaled the United States’ entry into World War II.

     

    First opening in 1962, today the Pearl Harbor National Memorial sees thousands of visitors daily.

     

    Visit the Wesley Bolin Plaza across 17th Avenue to view the anchor and mast from the USS Arizona, as well as “Guns to Salute the Fallen” memorial featuring one gun from the USS Arizona and one from the USS Missouri. The mast was placed 1,177 feet from the center of the Great Seal in the rotunda.