2021
Sacrifice for Freedom: World War II in the Pacific Student & Teacher Institute , sponsored by the Pearl Harbor Historic Site partners, provides an exceptional opportunity for 16 student/teacher teams to study World War II in the Pacific in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Past teacher participants noted that the institute was a significant professional development experience that changed how they viewed World War II in the Pacific. Student participants reported that the research Hawaii-based learning activities challenged their thinking and expanded their perspective of history.
To see an overview of the 2021 program click here.
Click below to view the student eulogies of their silent heroes
Sacrifice for Freedom: World War II in the Pacific Student & Teacher Institute , sponsored by the Pearl Harbor Historic Site partners, provides an exceptional opportunity for 16 student/teacher teams to study World War II in the Pacific in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Past teacher participants noted that the institute was a significant professional development experience that changed how they viewed World War II in the Pacific. Student participants reported that the research Hawaii-based learning activities challenged their thinking and expanded their perspective of history.
To see an overview of the 2021 program click here.
Click below to view the student eulogies of their silent heroes
Sacrifice for Freedom: World War II in the Pacific Student & Teacher Institute , sponsored by the Pearl Harbor Historic Site partners, provides an exceptional opportunity for 16 student/teacher teams to study World War II in the Pacific in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Past teacher participants noted that the institute was a significant professional development experience that changed how they viewed World War II in the Pacific. Student participants reported that the research Hawaii-based learning activities challenged their thinking and expanded their perspective of history.
To see an overview of the 2021 program click here.
Click below to view the student eulogies of their silent heroes
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Day One
On Day One of the programs, student and teacher teams hiked the Makapuu lighthouse trail, visited the Fort DeRussy Army Museum, and learned about Hawaii’s coastal defenses and how they have defended the island since 1899. Teams then visited Iolani Palace, the royal palace for the Hawaiian monarchy till its overthrow in 1893. This allowed both students and teachers to learn about the Hawaiian kingdom and its history prior to annexation and eventual statehood of the Hawaiian islands.
Testimonial: “ Visiting the palace was an awesome way to learn about the history of Hawaii prior to WWII, and the Army Museum was a great opportunity to gain more knowledge of the strategic importance of Hawaii.” - Teacher, Brian Connick 2021 Cohort
Day Two
For Day Two, student and teacher teams visited Pearl Harbor National Memorial. They were able to go to the USS Arizona Memorial and the PHNM museums. Participants then headed to the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum to tour the USS Bowfin and have a hands-on STEAM experience. The day ended with a behind the scenes tour and sleepover at the USS Missouri.
Testimonial: “In our research my student and I came across the name of a 19 year old man from our state who died on the USS Arizona; it was poignant to see his name on that wall knowing that my students are close to that same age.” - Teacher, Christina Cote 2021 Cohort
Thank you to all our wonderful sponsors
National History Day
National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific
Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum
Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum Association
Battleship Missouri Memorial
After waking up on the USS Missouri students continued their program at the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. They learned about how air power truly changed between WW1 and WW2 and why aircraft carriers paved the way for modern navy tactics. Afterwhich teachers and students were guided by historian Jessie Higa to the Nu'uanu Cemetery where civilians who assisted in the fire defense of Hickam Air Force base were killed in action.
Testimonial: “Sleeping, eating, and wandering on a ship similar to that which so many before me had to live aboard was incredibly eye-opening. Sacrifice was not only made when a military person died - they sacrificed comfort, certainty, and familiarity every single day.” - Student, Naia Perry 2021 Cohort
Day Three
Day Four
Day Four was dedicated to visiting Hickam Air Force Base with historian Jessie Higa, and then lectures from Dr. Mitch Yamasaki and Dr. Frank Bailey of Chaminade University, and Mr. Nate Gyotoku, President & Executive Director of Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii. Through these lectures, students and teachers learned more about Hawaiian history, the history of Americans of Japanese Ancestry (AJA), and the difference between those living in Hawaii and those living in the mainland United States.
Testimonial: “The experience of people of Japanese ancestry in Hawaii differed greatly from their mainland counterparts, and I will pay careful attention to help students understand why so many Japanese Americans in Hawaii went to such lengths to prove their loyalty.” - Teacher, Courtney Major 2021 Cohort
Day Five
The final day of the cohort was the most important. All of the students’ hard work culminated in the presentation of eulogies honoring their selected Silent Hero at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. When all eulogies were completed, student and teacher teams traveled to the gravesite or section of the memorial wall where their Silent Hero is honored. They placed flags, flowers, and other items there to honor their sacrifice. It was a powerful display of patriotism and gratitude.
Testimonial: “I was extremely nervous to present my work to the group in the days leading up to the morning at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, but when it was time, all of that melted away and I was left with a truly powerful memory that will stay with me forever. It was incredible to be able to honor William Barnes and witness the culmination of everyone's hard work.” - Student, Braeden Miller 2021 Cohort
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Feedback on Activities
“I could not stop thinking about how every name on the memorial wall was a full human life. This is easy to forget when simply reading a statistic in a textbook. Standing there, I felt the weight and significance of this program, wishing I could give a voice to every one of the brave individuals who sacrificed for our country in WWII.” -Student Naia Perry, 2021 Cohort
“I will never be able to forget all that I've learned and for that I am thankful. Whether it be from the notes I took, through the tours and lectures, the memories of stories shared to us onboard ships and buses, or the photos captured, this journey will stay with me for the rest of my life.” -Student, Nicole Cortes
“It all became so real and it’s thanks to the amazing people who told us the stories behind the locations. These people didn’t only give us the overview of what happened, but they told the stories of the heroes involved that made the locations so sacred.” -Student, Tryon Calleroz, 2021 cohort
“There were so many wonderful moments on the trip, but what stood out to me the most is the mana – the spirit – of true love and respect that began with our staff and continued to the teachers and students. The Silent Heroes you researched are with you. There are no ghosts, only spirits.” -Teacher, Alexandra Hartley, 2021 cohort
Thank you to our wonderful Sponsor's
National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific
Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum Association