A Once in a Lifetime Easter Sunrise Service

When our son-in-law mentioned that we might be able to attend the Sunrise Service on the deck of the USS Missouri Memorial because of our visitor status, we jumped at the chance.  It was dark when we left to go on to Ford Island where the decommissioned Mighty Moe sits next to the Arizona Memorial.  Two ships just yards apart.  One where WWII started and the other where it ended.  We walked under these huge guns to find our seat; not sure if they are three of the nine 16 inch guns or not that made the Missouri such a mighty force.

We walked up several flights of stairs to the back deck under a large tent and heard a great message from a Navy Chaplain... Capt. Brent Scott - the fleet chaplain for U.S. Pacific Fleet Command (USPACFLT)

It was hard to estimate the crowd, but it spilled out the back of the tent under the rear big guns.

This perspective lets you see how close the Missouri is to the Arizona Memorial.

We're making our way out after the service was over and we had to pause for a minute to remember those who have served and given their lives for our freedom.  The huge military presence in Hawaii is a great reminder of others who continue to sacrifice for our country.

We didn't visit the Arizona Memorial this trip... perhaps another time we will again.

What a special morning to be sure... probably one of those once in a lifetime things...thanks to our son-in-law.  I couldn't help but think that my older two brothers, who both served in the Navy, would have enjoyed being along.

M wanted a picture of this young Mom and her three matching darlings leaving the service all dressed up in their Easter finery.

Brunch on the Lanai made for the end of a wonderful Easter morning.