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The views, opinions, and content expressed on this website are solely those of Rosabel Zohfeld, based on her personal and professional experience, and do not reflect the views of, nor are they affiliated with, any hospital, healthcare facility, medical practice, or organization.
All information shared here is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Nothing on this website creates a doctor-patient relationship between Rosabel Zohfeld and any visitor. Visitors should always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical concerns or decisions.
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Visiting Pearl Harbor: A Reflection on Honor, History, and Presence
By Rosabel Zohfeld
Visit Date: June 17, 2025
Visiting Pearl Harbor was a moment that forever changed me. I’ve studied history, honored veterans, and spoken of sacrifice—but standing there in person, on sacred ground, gave new weight to everything I thought I understood.
The Power of Presence at Pearl Harbor
As I approached the USS Arizona Memorial, I made a conscious decision: I would not reach for my phone. This was not the time for content—it was a time for stillness. I stood quietly in front of the white marble wall, reading each and every name carved there. The stillness was sacred.
Line by line. Name by name. I thought about the soldiers. The children who would grow up fatherless. The parents who had to bury their sons. The wives who never got to say goodbye. Each name was a story cut short. And yet, their legacy lives on.
Looking into the Waters of History
One of the most powerful moments was standing above the viewing well, looking down into the water where the remains of the USS Arizona still rest. The ship, a final resting place, speaks louder than words. You can still see droplets of oil rising to the surface—known as the “black tears of the Arizona”—reminding us that grief and remembrance are never far below the surface.
Captured Through Compassion
I thank my husband, Reid Zohfeld, for quietly capturing the photos and footage while I stayed present in the moment. He knew how sacred this space was to me. His lens helped preserve what my heart could barely contain.
Why Visiting Pearl Harbor Matters
Visiting Pearl Harbor isn’t just about looking back—it’s about carrying those stories forward. It’s about honoring the past by choosing to remember. I never imagined I’d one day stand there, face-to-face with history, but I’m grateful for that opportunity. The sacrifice made on that day—December 7, 1941—continues to shape the world we live in.
To the 1,177 souls who perished aboard the USS Arizona, and to every life lost that day: I honor you. You are not forgotten. Your legacy lives on—in the water, in the air, in our collective memory.
“Each name on that wall is a voice. A reminder. A story still echoing through time.”
A Call to Reflection
Take a moment today to remember those who came before us—those who gave everything so we could live with the freedoms we so often take for granted. Visiting Pearl Harbor is a reminder that history is not distant. It lives in us, and through us, when we choose to remember.
If you’ve ever considered making the journey, let this be your sign. Go. Stand in silence. And let the stories of Pearl Harbor speak to you.
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2 Comments on “Standing in Silence: My Visit to Pearl Harbor”
Excelente punto de vista. La visita fue muy provechosa
Me encantó la reflexión , excelente lugar ❤️🩹👌🏼👌🏼