Xplore Pearl Harbor

Learn the story of how World War II began for the United States. It happened in beautiful Hawaii on an early sunny Sunday morning. Japan attacked the island of Oahu, killing thousands of U.S. service members along with dozens of civilians caught in the crossfire. The Pacific fleet based in Pearl Harbor was dealt a huge blow, with multiple battleships sunk or badly damaged. The date was December 7, 1941. From that day forward, it’s been known as the Day of Infamy. Through curated and personal virtual experiences, Pacific Historic Parks relives that tragic day. You will learn, explore and discover key World War II in the Pacific sites. These sites include one of our nation’s most iconic war graves, the USS Arizona Memorial. Why is this important? Age is one reason. Young and old. Most students today were born after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Their parents were born after Pearl Harbor was attacked. So a large segment of our population did not experience these two surprise attacks. The men and women who took part in World War II are known as the greatest generation. Most have passed but there are those in their late 90’s and 100’s who could be your family members, neighbors or friends. They continue to slip away at a rapid pace, especially in this era. We must never forget that they, along with our allies in World War II, beat tyranny and saved democracy. That’s why they are called the greatest generation. Our next-generation digital immersive educational platform will tell their stories from the safety of students’ classrooms, pods, and homes. With this platform teachers will be able to bring their students into the War in the Pacific, explore the topography of the Sea, understand important military decisions, hear from a variety of veterans and eyewitnesses, learn the impact of the war on indigenous communities, and the lessons of weaponized conflict.