The USS Arizona Memorial was dedicated in the warm sunshine of Memorial Day 1962. As the waters of Pearl Harbor lapped gently against the rusted hulk of the sunken battleship, reflected sunlight played over the freshly painted, white surfaces of the recently constructed Memorial. White Navy uniforms dominated the dress of the 200 guests invited to the Memorial & those on nearby Ford Island. A public address system carried the speeches of Naval officials & other dignitaries as they recalled the attack on Pearl Harbor, the men who lost their lives there, & expressed their hopes for future peace. A prayer form the chaplain & a band rendition of the Navy Hymn was followed by the haunting notes taps. A volley of rifle fire by the Marine honor guard provided the final punctuation.