As the nation approaches the 85th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, the USS Arizona Memorial Gardens at Salt River offers a meaningful place to reflect, remember and honor the heroes who served.
History has a way of connecting us to places we may have never visited and stories we must never forget. The USS Arizona Memorial Gardens at Salt River offers locals and visitors a place to honor the lives of those aboard the USS Arizona (BB-39) during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.
Located within the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, the five-acre memorial features the battleship’s original boathouse, the largest remaining piece of the USS Arizona outside of Hawaii. The Memorial Gardens were designed around the historic relic, incorporating a to-scale outline of the battleship, information panels, individual name blocks and displaying the boathouse relic within a glass-enclosed exhibit.
The Memorial Gardens spans the exact length and width of the USS Arizona with over 1,500 columns outlining the actual perimeter of the ship. Each column is representative of an individual who was aboard the Arizona on the morning of December 7, 1941. Of these, 1,177 columns illuminate at night, honoring the crew members who lost their lives during the attack, while the unlit columns represent those who survived. At sunset, the illuminated columns transform the Memorial Gardens into a moving tribute, symbolizing the enduring light and legacy of those who served aboard the USS Arizona.
On Monday, December 7, 2026, the USS Arizona Memorial Gardens at Salt River will commemorate the 85th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor with a special program taking place from 4 pm to 5:30 pm. The event will feature a special flag-breathing ceremony using a retired flag that flew over the USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor in O’ahu, Hawaii. Attendees will also hear from retired USS Arizona historian Daniel Martinez, who served four decades at the U.S. National Park Service.
Residents, history enthusiasts and visitors are invited to attend this special event and join the community in honoring those who served and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
More than a historical landmark, the Memorial Gardens offers an opportunity for generations to connect through remembrance throughout the year. Whether visiting for the anniversary or exploring the site on another day, the Memorial Gardens are free to visit and open daily to the public. Visitors can explore a self-guided walking path, learn more about this pivotal moment in American history, and take time for a quiet reflection within the peaceful gardens.
As the 85th anniversary approaches, consider making time to visit the USS Arizona Memorial Gardens at Salt River. It is a place to pause, reflect and remember the meaning of service, courage and freedom.
Plan your visit and learn more at: USSArizonaSaltRiver.com.
