Why is USS Arizona significant?
USS Arizona, a National Historic Landmark the highest level of national historic significance is administered cooperatively by NPS and Navy and among the most recognized and visited war memorials in the nation. More than 1.5 million people annually visit the USS Arizona Memorial, tomb of more than 1,000 US sailors and the most visible warship lost in World War II. This ship, a national shrine and Naval memorial that remains deeply ingrained into American consciousness, still commands an honor guard from the many capital ships that ply Pearl Harbor today as it did during the war when it served as inspiration to Navy personnel going into battle. The war memorial above the ship commemorates the largest US naval loss in history and the ultimate American victory, made horribly poignant by recent events. The memorial structure symbolizes Americas initial defeat and determined rise to victory. The memorial design incorporates architect Alfred Preis views of the US as an essentially peaceful n
