2022
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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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
Day One
On Day One of the program, student and teacher teams hiked Diamond Head, and learned about the changes made to that area by the military in order to protect the islands. Teams then went to Bishop Museum to learn more about life in Hawai`i and the Pacific Islands. This gave them background information to help them understand how the events of World War II changed the Pacific.
Testimonial: “ The hike up Diamond Head was beautiful and taught us so much about the landscape of Hawaii.” - Tara 2022 Cohort
Day Two
For Day Two, student and teacher teams visited Pearl Harbor National Memorial. They paid their respects at USS Arizona Memorial visiting the final resting place of nearly a thousand sailor and marines. At the Pearl Harbor National Memorial museums, teams learned the events that led to the attack at Pearl Harbor in addition to getting a Virtual Reality experience putting them into the pilot seat of a Japanese bomber. 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: “Dropping the orchid at the USS Arizona Memorial was especially impactful.” - Erin 2022 Cohort
“I went into the second day with high expectations—and those expectations were exceeded. From the VR experience to the USS Arizona Memorial to the USS Bowfin tour, everyone we encountered was so knowledgeable and kind. The tours of and overnight stay on the USS Missouri was an experience unlike any other—so unique, truly an unforgettable, once in a lifetime experience.” - Tara 2022
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, Sacrifice for Freedom participants were joined by Jessie Higa, who provided in-depth and unique information about the history of Ford Island. From there they traveled to Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum and were able to see World War II from the aviation perspective. Finally, the group made their way to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency to learn how unknown and missing World War II remains are researched, found, and identified.
Day Three
Day Four
Day Four was dedicated to guest speakers Mr. Nate Gyotoku, and retired Admiral Alma Grocki who presented on the Japanese-American experience during World War II and how Hawai`i fits into the post-war world. The students then traveled to `Iolani Palace to understand more about the history of the Kingdom of Hawai`i and the events that led to its end. Afterwards it was time for students to begin practicing their eulogies.
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 National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. There were personal stories, prayers, and service details, all of which were the result of months of research and dedication. 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.
Feedback on Activities
“Every activity that was planned and we did was awesome and engaging.” - Olivia 2022 Cohort
“Loved all the personal connections, stories, knowledgeable and passionate partners. Sites were interesting and beautiful.” - Regina 2022 Cohort
“The tour guides were extremely knowledgeable about their content but also personable enough to encourage questions and comments from the group. They also did a great job at tailoring their tours to accommodate the younger members of the tour. You can definitely feel the deep passion from them” - Lazaro 2022 Cohort
“The tour guides and speakers were stupendous, and helped educate us about and immerse us into all the history. And whether it was about the sheer heaviness of the guns of the USS Missouri, the peace treaty between King Kamehameha I and Kauai, or the tapping heard from the soldiers stuck inside the hull of the USS Oklahoma, I will remember what I've learned, because the history we were taught is so powerful and crucial.” - Napu 2022 Cohort
Thank you to our wonderful Sponsor's
National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific
Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum Association