Pearl Harbor on Memorial Day Part 1

The New Magnum PI

Woke up bright and early in Paradise on memorial day... Who could possibly complain or feel low on that situation Honoring America's finest on the day in the place with the military... Well, not to be selfish- me. I miss my baby Axel and wife Angie. They are in Philadelphia at the parade with my marine Father in law. I wish I could be with them.







Axel wearing his USMC Gear Thanks to Pop Pop Schroeder

Gym, walk, and then prepared for a super emotional afternoon. We are going to pearl harbor.

We get to the gate of the memorial- now I know to go through this, I will get emotional. I love World War 2 and get really upset when I listen to books on tape or interviews on WW2, notably the Pacific Theatre. I try to go in in an ethical and respectable mood but walk slowly because I know what is behind that wall.

Alfred Rodrigues Wrote a book called "Diary of a Pearl Harbor Survivor." I won't give anything away, but He was on the SS Washington and the son of a native Hawaiian. These guys are amazing people and need to keep the story alive.






Sterling Cale was attacked in Pearl Harbor and was one of the first to notice the Japanese planes after the attack was in charge of removal and burial of the bodies on the Arizona, served though WW2 with 1st Marine division at Guadalcanal, 5th Regiment in Korea and Sargent Major in Vietnam- a true American hero now volunteers at the memorial.

Sterling Kale and Alfred Rodrigues are rock stars here.



I believe his name is Stratton- a survivor of the SS Arizona. His Body was 70% burned. A true American Hero

There where several moments, especially during survivors speaking (even on video) that welled me up. Two or three times, Jim asked if I was ok. I was- in fact, writing this, I am getting emotional thinking about it- as Colonel would say... "Its a low T day."

We did the mainland stuff and watched the videos- I was moved, but we now had to actually go out on a boat to see the sunken ship.
The Arizona- With some of the crew still inside. Oil still pours from the bow. When sailors who made it out eventually die, they have navy divers take their urn and ashes down to the ship so they can rest in peace with their fallen sailors.
Imagine that commitment- when they left the Navy and made it out of WW2, got married and continued life BUT always holds their brothers with them throughout life
 These are men who had and still have a connection that will be with them forever, rest eternally with them. There are so many moments I felt I know what it must be like- but in reality, I do not. This generation of men- what they call the greatest generation has a code that I feel has slowly faded away. EXCEPT when I meet our men and women in our armed forces. That's when I realize we have hope.

This started choking me up- these two (who I wished I talked to) read everyone's name on the wall.

Blown away by this afternoon- we loaded in the car- quiet and moved.

Lets all go to Hawaii and Remember our WW2 Men.

The Morning was tough. Jay and Janet took us to breakfast and to the Airport. It was a long hard goodbye- though we will see them very soon. We have plans, and they will be in the lower 48 soon.
They have an amazing daughter Jordan who is at NYU now- we will be connected to these guys for life. They are entirely family as far as I'm concerned. I was bummed Jordan is flying into Alaska Monday- we just missed her!!

These Armed Forces Trips are really amazing- I meet guys I know I'll be life long friends with. From Jay, Chris Jones Chief Stoggins (who I haven't seen since retirement... bummed about that), Col. Rogers, Doug Eichorn, and the list could keep going. I love these guys and wish only the best for these wonderful people.

Once we load up onto the plane, it hits me- like every base when we make connections with I get an empty nest syndrome- I sincerely miss these guys. I get it with family- but I know when I'm going home- I don't know the exact next tie I get to see these guys.
I feel depressed, but I also remember I wouldn't have met them, and knowing these people made my life better for meeting them.

I sit on my flight and look at the photos of my little man. I miss him- I miss Angie, and I have a long trip to meditate and think about our family and us- I want to do well by them- I want to teach Axel all the great things I am learning and hope he gets to pursue complete happiness and fulfillment with his life.
All that he is- 22 days of life- he changed the world. I have been the luckiest man in the world- met great people- influenced and looked up to my father and mother, a football coach or two helped me along- great in-laws - great teachers. I notice a lot of people don't have this in their life- I also just keep meeting more people who are life changers.
I am surrounded by love with an amazing wife healthy baby and don't have any negative stuff floating in my pool. I can only hope Axel is so lucky.




Great Airport Bar

We Land in Honolulu. Its raining something crazy, but the air is impressive. I am breathing like a champ- and it smells incredible.

When we landed in Honolulu, I received this email. I think it is Jim!!! It made me laugh so hard, and I hope - if you are following day to day- you get this joke...

 When We get to base, we check-in and drive through the base- Frank, our point man, is impressive and cool as can be.
He is a big deal, but you wouldn't know it just hanging around him.
As always, the accommodations are amazing right on Pearl Harbor. Armed Forces Entertainment is such a great organization. I keep using the word amazing because I am so tired, and the thesaurus in my brain isn't working.

 The hotel overlooks all the ships docked. A pretty lovely time to be here if you are into ww2 History

What a meal. Frank hooked us up!!

Submarine Docked

Carole and I went for a walk around the base, and no matter what You think you know about history, it still is overwhelming to imagine what it was like the day the attack came. These where young 18-25-year-olds who got attacked. I love the history, tradition, and unity the military has.

I'll never forget what happened on 9-11, every generation has the moment that. The era as you know it is over, it has to become adults and life changes as you know it forever.
My Dad's generation had JFK assassination.
My Grandfather has Pearl Harbor.
We need to really remember this, especially as that generation is starting to fade rapidly.

World War 2 is such an incredible time- I want to make sure Axel learns from his great grandfathers and grandfathers. This is something you hope will always be remembered and learned from. I am really looking forward to tomorrow