Hey, everyone. Today’s Mystery Monday post isn’t so much a mystery but a legend. Curious? Read on.
“December 7, 1941. A date which will live in infamy.” President Franklin D. Roosevelt said those words in a speech to a joint session of congress a day following the attack by Japanese forces on Pearl Harbor.
The surprise attack occurred just before 8:00 a.m. Casualties were high—2,335 killed and 1143 were wounded. Numerous aircraft and ships were damaged. Of the eight battleships stationed at Pearl Harbor, four sank, including the USS Arizona.
Here are some interesting facts about the ship.
- Twenty-three sets of brothers and one father-son duo died during the attack. At that time, it wasn’t uncommon for siblings to serve on the same ship. After Pearl Harbor, U.S. officials tried to discourage the practice, but no formal regulations were established. By the end of World War II, hundreds of brothers fought and died together, including the five Sullivan brothers who were killed in action when their light cruiser, the USS Juneau, was sunk during the Battle of Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands.
- All members of the Arizona’s band died. They were on deck preparing to play music for the daily flag-raising ceremony at the time of the attack. This is the only time an entire military band has died in action.
- Several former crew members chose the USS Arizona for their final resting place, a testament to the bonds between the crew. The Navy allows survivors to be interred in the ship’s wreckage, following a funeral with full military honors.
- The Arizona Memorial attracts over one million visitors each year.
- Fuel continues to leak from the wreckage. The ship had taken on nearly 1.5 million gallons on December 6 to prepare for a scheduled trip to the mainland. Much of the fuel fed the explosion and subsequent fires. However, approximately 500,000 gallons are slowly seeping. About nine quarts of oil spill into the harbor each day. This will continue for several more generations.
When the oil coats the surface of the water it’s often referred to as “tears of the Arizona,” or “black tears.” This is the source of a legend, with many believing the ship will stop leaking oil when the last survivor dies.
Of the 335 survivors, only two remain—Lou Conter of Grass Valley, California, and Ken Potts of Provo, Utah. Both men are ninety-eight years old, so it’s unlikely the legend will become true.
27 Responses
I never knew that about being interred in the wreck. That’s a lovely idea. So sad about the fuel leaking, though. I’d always assumed that would all have been cleaned up by now. Thanks for sharing this, Joan 🙂
Many survivors chose to do that and I agree, it is a wonderful idea.
I had no idea about the fuel continuing to leak. These are interesting, yet sad facts, Joan. My uncle was stationed at Pearl Harbor during the attack. Thankfully, he survived, but he lost many friends. Thank you for sharing this.
Wow, Jill. I can’t imagine what it was like for them on that fateful morning. I’m grateful for those like your uncle who have served our country.
I did not know that about survivors being allowed to be interred at the site. That’s both nice and sad.
I’d forgotten about the oil until you said “black tears” then I remember the legend. I always feel like there should be a way to remedy that. Makes me wonder if when the last two survivors pass, an environmentalist might not find a way. Maybe no one wants to disturb the site while there are still survivors around who could be upset by activity there. I don’t know. But it seems like someone should have figured something out by now. That’s a lot of damage to the ecosystem, you’d think.
Great post, Joan.
I learned about the burials when researching this post. And I agree about the ecosystem. 79 years is a long time to leak oil and fuel.
I wasn’t aware survivors were permitted to be interred there, and I also didn’t know about the fuel still leaking. Wonderful post, Joan.
They are. These days, I believe they are cremated. I find it touching some choose to be buried with their fallen comrades.
What fascinating facts, Joan. I never knew all of the statistics or the fact that survivors could choose to be buried there. It will be very interesting to see if the legend comes true about the “black tears.” Thank you for sharing!
It’s touching that some choose to be buried there. I agree, it will be interesting to see if the legend comes true.
Thank you for posting this beautiful reflective piece, Joan. In our area, all the flags are half-staff. My husband and I visited the Arizona several years ago and was greatly moved by the solemnity, the stories, and all those who have chosen to rest with their friends buried at sea, 💔
That’s such a fitting tribute, Gwen. I hope to visit the memorial one of these days.
Thank you, Joan, for visiting the legend of the Arizona. It is representative of an event in our history whose memory should last well beyond the last survivors.
Absolutely, John. I have the utmost respect for these men and for all those who have served our country in the Armed Forces.
Me too. 😊
Well worth a remembrance. Such a tragic event.
It certainly was. A sad day in our nation’s history.
It’s heartbreaking standing over that ship. I didn’t realize we had a local survivor here. I will check our paper to see if they honor him.
I would love to visit there some day. How interesting that one of the survivors lives near you. I do hope they honor him.
I didn’t know most of those sad facts and I wonder what all that fuel has been doing to the ocean.
It does make one wonder.
All of your content is just amazing 🙂
Thank you.
This is so interesting, but very sad, Joan. Imagine losing five of your sons at one time. The thought is unbearable.
I can’t imagine what their parents went through.
Stranger things have happened, so maybe the Arizona actually will stop shedding black tears when the last survivor passes away.
That’s so true, Priscilla. It would be amazing if the legend came true.