The USS Arizona Memorial designed a Junior Ranger Booklet to help children embrace and enjoy history. Visiting the USS Arizona Memorial amongst trips to the beach, shopping, snorkeling and Hula makes it hard to make meaningful connections. However, it can be done by humanizing a story and by making history personal.
The booklet guides young students through the events of the attack. These activities include Opana Radar, Target Oahu, Midget Subs, Battleship Row, Code-Breaking Magic, Wartime Civilian Life, Remembering Those Who Died, and Memorials and Memories.
KOA, a dolphin designed by longtime illustrator Alan Low, best met the criteria for the main character. Reflecting the maritime and Hawaiian sense of place; the dolphin seemed the ideal choice. The name KOA means warrior in the Hawaiian language. KOA is also an acronym for (Knowledge Officer for the Arizona).
The booklet approaches history with a child in mind, which is the purpose of the Junior Ranger program. Junior Ranger’s not only earn a badge, but they learn the story of December 7, 1941 and gain an appreciation for the USS Arizona Memorial.
The USS Arizona Memorial Junior Ranger Booklet can be obtained for free at the visitor center front desk. The guide is intended for youths (Ages 7-12). A Junior Ranger badge will be given upon completion. Please see a Park Ranger if you have any questions.
