December 7, 1967
Across the harbor, the glistening white of the Arizona Memorial shimmered against the pacific blue of the ocean and the azure of the sky poking through charcoal clouds. A pleasant breeze flowed off the briny sea, tipped with the hint of moisture - the portent of coming liquid sunshine.
December could be wet and stormy in the Hawaiian Islands; this morning however, the rain was held at bay. Brilliant shafts of heavenly light shining on the alabaster monument across the water gave the scene.
Still getting used to the somber, elegant, and symbolic relatively-new tribute in Pearl Harbor, Dan Williams gazed upon it in contemplation. He came on these solitary and solemn vigils every December 7th as often as he could. Being off island for university and Coast Guard service and living with Aunt Clara temporarily, he visited whenever he was home.
The brightness of the sparkling white monument was disconcerting in a way.
As a young man, he had come here in his own personal tribute to the parents who had lost their lives on this tragic and infamous date in history. Those times, his mind shifted between the placid beauty of the present and the horrific calamity of this day in 1941.
On that unforgettable morning, he had been here on the dock with his uncle like most other Sundays. Then the planes, the explosions, the fires and noise and screams and smells of the world coming apart at the seams.
Over the years, time had blunted, faded, the sharpness of the terror and the aching pain of losing parents so abruptly and violently. Now, as an adult, he came here as the only real homage he could give.
This year was different. He would actually have to go out there and be on the Memorial escorting VIPs in his new job as a member of Hawaii Five-0. These few weeks prepping for commemorating the anniversary of such a national tragedy of course brought more work for the state police. This was his first December as a detective in the elite unit and he would carry his weight along with the others on staff.
There had never been a thought of slipping out of this responsibility. He revered Steve McGarrett and did everything he could to make sure his boss never regretted bringing on a young, inexperienced officer to the elect force.
So in a few minutes he would leave here and put an end to his personal acknowledgment of this solemn anniversary. He would report to his leader and fulfill his duties without a mention of the personal anxiety. Without a reminder that his remembrance of this date was every bit as personal as those military and civilian survivors who came here to remember.
The rest of the staff was kind enough not to mention more than a few murmurs of sympathy about today. Five-0 was a busy, often hectic environment. McGarrett set a grueling pace leading by example. No wasted time or effort. To prove himself, Dan made sure he was not just on time but early most days. He worked harder and longer to get the job done because he never wanted others – Steve - to think he couldn't handle this pressure. Mostly, he wanted Steve to be certain Dan was dependable and would not let his leader down.
The sound of a car broke his thoughtful reverie. He turned, amazed to see his mentor and friend climbing out of the black Mercury and striving toward him!
Quickly, Dan looked at his watch. Still plenty of time to make it out to the Memorial and prepare for the ceremonies. Was there an emergency?
Steve's gait was the usual hurried-get-the-job-done-stride. His expression one of concentration, not emergency-stress.
"Steve! What's going on?" He rushed to join his friend and stopped abruptly when the taller man halted. "What's happened?"
A flicker of a smile broke the contemplative-now-sympathetic demeanor. "Everything's fine," he assured. "I hope I'm not intruding."
"No." Uncertain about the reason for the visit if not business, Dan waited.
McGarrett took up the slack.
"Stunning morning."
Dan turned toward the serene beauty stretched out across Pearl Harbor, taking in the shining Memorial, the glow of brilliant sunlight with the backdrop of stormy clouds over the verdant green hills. "It's really something, yeah. Paradise." He looked up and wryly asked, "Come to enjoy the view?"
"I know this is your time for your own personal veneration before our duties begin." Steve clapped a hand on the shorter man's shoulder. "I just wanted to –" he shrugged, yet his expression was warm and he squeezed the shoulder under his hand conveying more emotion than the words. "This is a sacred day to you. In the mad crush of duties I never took that into account. I've asked you to be out there today –"
"And I will!" he interrupted. "Steve, I don't know how you found out about me coming here. Except you're the best detective around," he smirked. "I'm fine with being out there today. I've never been on the monument, but whatever has happened in the past is over as far as my job is concerned. I'm not going to let you down."
Fleeting emotions of poignancy even sadness flickered on the older detective's face. Then his smile was gentle as he put both hands on Dan's shoulders and steered him toward the end of the dock.
"I have no doubt you're going to do exactly what you need to do today and perform all your duties of shepherding VIPs and keeping the dignitaries happy. Just like you do any other security function for Five-0, my friend."
Keeping his arm resting on Williams, they contemplated the contradiction of this moment's natural magnificence juxtaposed with the horrendous tragedy on this original day of infamy.
"My newest detective goes above and beyond his job. I just wanted to make sure Danno was okay."
This season of approaching Christmastime brought out sentiments. This day was a profoundly poignant journey of introspection. Everyone alive on this historic date could remember what they were doing in their specific circumstances when they heard the news of the bombing here in tranquil Hawaii. There was sorrow, empathy, and fear for most.
While Dan's circumstances were particularly tragic, he knew his mentor had experienced his own seismic turbulence in his life because of the Japanese attack. Steve had been at the Naval Academy. His service to country would be a call to arms by going straight to war! His graduation was expedited so he could get out and serve his country before the finish of the war.
Even decades later, all here at Ground Zero experienced some portion of the overt emotionalism. It was in the aina, the moana, the sunlight, the rain, the very air. With that turbulent mixture of impressions and senses also came the common clichés that Fate could twist against you at any moment. That life was sacred and precious. And never take for granted all the blessings from the magnificent paradise that surrounded him.
Nor take for granted the treasured commodity of friendship. Dan felt the gratitude burn within - a warmth of belonging and brotherhood.
The moment exemplified the rare insight into this incredible and loyal man. Steve was never shy showing his anger or impatience or crusade for justice. His more personal feelings surfaced seldom.
Reaffirmed that he was so privileged to be part of McGarrett's team and to have this leader as a big brother, Dan had to pause so his own deep sentiments did not embarrass him.
"Mahalo, Steve. This means more than I can say."
The hold on his shoulder slipped to his neck and McGarrett gave a squeeze of affection. "Mahalo for sharing this solemn day."
PAU