Larry with Royal Star handled our tour.... if you find a way to replicate him, you will be well served (as well future attendees). He was knowledgeable, fun, affable and a perfect fit for the thread that ties these part... mores of the tour together.
Cemetery was humbling and very moving - at the very time we drove through, military was preparing for an internment that day.
Downtown tour was just right - highlighting both historical and current buildings and sharing information for possible additional visits later.
Arizona Memorial - website information helped us prepare well (clear bags allowed us to bring cameras and other items). The presentations at the visitor center were informative, and the video presentation was very moving. Little was said on the transport to the memorial, and our time there was memorable -- anyone who visits and is not moved by the sacrifice and losses is missing something.
Missouri was very interesting as well. Self-guided touring allowed for us to take the time needed to explore areas we found interesting. We did not see the Air Museum (but it's on the list next time). Transfers to and from Ford Island were well timed and operated - then it was time for Larry to take us "home".
ONLY complaint - our visit at both the Arizona and Missouri seemed a little rushed. We had about an hour before our tickets for the video, then seemed to have only ten minutes at the memorial (I understand might have been time for lunch for the tender captains?) and then ten minutes before our bus to Missouri (and find time for lunch). At Missouri, we had at most 90 minutes from drop off to time to board return bus back to the visitor center. Even another fifteen minutes at each memorial would have allowed for a more relaxing and reflective visit.
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