HAWAII More Young Marines dispatches from Pearl Harbor, By YM/Sgt Sam Craig Northern Kentucky (KY) During our unit’s Pearl Harbor trip, we went to many different places on the island. My favorite was the USS Arizona monument. While we waited on shore for the boat that would take us to the monument, I had the opportunity to talk to some Pearl Harbor survivors. They told me what they had been do- ing when the first Japanese planes at- tacked on the morning of December 7, 1941. When we reached the monument, I dropped a flower in the water for a man named Leslie Fisher, who was an S1c (Seaman First Class) in the U.S.Navy.He was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart, American Defense Service Medal with Fleet Clasp, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with a Star,and the WWII Victory Med- al. Leslie Fischer is among more than nine-hundred patriots still aboard the USS Arizona. When I look back at that day, I am grateful for the many Ameri- can patriots who sacrificed their lives for our nation. A Moment to Remember Sacrifices at the USS Arizona Memorial By YM/LCpl Nicolas Marquez North San Diego (CA) This was my second trip to Pearl Harbor, HI, and the U.S.S. Arizona. Every time I felt the same honor and pride to pay respects to all those who lost their lives. I looked at the Memorial wall with my dad and my fellow Young Marines. It was really sad to see all the names there, and sad to see the ship underwater. Drops of oil still seep up from the ship. According to legend, each drop of oil that surfaces is the tear of a Sailor or Marine who lost their life. It is a very moving experi- ence. A Return to the Memorial, Learning About a Legend By YM/Cpl Brianna Marquez North San Diego (CA) While we were in Hawaii, we had the chance to be part of this very emotional and honorable ceremony. Mr. Marquez, our unit Executive Officer, Mrs. Marquez , our Drug Demand Reduction Of- ficer, my brother and I waited to board the boat over to the USS Arizona Memorial. We didn’t know what to do or feel. We were anxious. After a short ride, we arrived and were greeted by Naval Officers and the Navy Band playing the most beau- tiful music. We were then seated to witness a rare event. I learned that if you are a Pearl Harbor survivor and were on the USS Arizona when it was attacked on the morning of December 7, 1941, you can request to be laid to rest with your shipmates. After a prayer and a few words from Officers, the daugh- ter of U.S. Navy MM/1C Estellee Birdsell spoke. His ashes were encased in a box which was handed over the side to not one, but three Navy Seal scuba divers. They escorted him towards the fallen ship and his comrades to his rest- ing place. We stood in silence, tears to my eyes. Taps played by the band, every military branch saluted instantly includ- ing my brother, YM/LCpl Marquez, and I. At the very end of this special ceremony we were given flower petals to sprinkle on the water in honor of Estelle Birdsell. We left in awe. Everyone on the boat going back was moved, knowing they would never forget that moment. USS Arizona: A Final Resting Place Among His Shipmates 26 YOUNG MARINES ESPRIT ONLINE