The Tree of Life sculpture is a relief and a symbol of renewal created by USS Arizona Memorial architect, Alfred Preis, in order to inspire contemplation.
On December 7, 1941, Oklahoma's port (left) side was hit by eight torpedoes at the very start of the attack. In less than twelve minutes, she rolled over until her masts touched the bottom, trapping hundreds of men inside and under the water. Four hundred twenty-nine crew members died. Of those trapped inside, only 32 could be rescued.
