USS Arizona on Google Earth

[StarOfAfrica2]

Originally posted by RAIDER14
why didn't they just take the bodies out of the ship or at least try to rescue  any survivors

Official answer:

One question still haunts visitors to the Arizona Memorial even to this day. Why were the dead not removed? Initially, about 105 bodies were removed but because the ship was never raised, the remainder could not. The priority at that time was salvage of ships that could be repaired, and Arizona was not in that category. As a result, the bodies deteriorated to the point of not being identifiable. Even as late as 1947, requests were made in regard to removal of the dead, but rejected. They are considered buried at sea by the U.S. Navy.

[capt. apathy]

I'm not sure if it's just me or others have felt it too.  but from the moment I stepped from the boat to the memorial I had a feeling that was almost physical it was so strong.

I tried to put a finger on what it was I was feeling.  it wasn't sadness, fear or anger.  the closest I could get was a feeling of determination, like several minds fixed on the same thought.

the oil leaks were interesting, I remember thinking " more than 60 years and she's still bleeding".

I've never been anywhere on this earth that had my mind taking in so much so fast.  it was definitely overwhelming.

another thing I found interesting is that the experience was such a life defining moment for many of the survivors that they had their ashes entombed on the memorial so they could rest with their shipmates.  some as recently as in the last few years.