NPS #2: Pearl Harbor Memorial & Military History

Pearl Harbor Memorial; Photo by Krenda

A shout out to the men and women who are serving our nation and the families who support them. Here's my disclosure - I have relatives who have served or currently serving in the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines. I may be biased to think about them and other military families often.  These photos were taken in Hawaii at Pearl Harbor.  Author Patricia Schultz lists "Oahu" as a must see site in her book 1,000 Places to See Before You Die and she recognizes the tie to history, "the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor reminds you of the city's place in 20th-century history."

My husband tells the story of his uncle in the Navy in Pearl Harbor during the attack and how he swam below burning water, splashing the water to find a place to come up and breath without flames, and his survival.

We took the opportunity to visit the location of the attack.  If you want to visit Pearl Harbor, go to Aloha Court on Oahu.  You can get free tickets to the Navy-operated shuttle boat ride and walk through exhibit galleries.  Also, you can visit the Pearl Harbor Memorial Theater and learn more at the 23- minute documentary film.

May is Military Appreciation month and Ladies Home Journal has a few ideas to show you appreciate the troops:
- send an e-mail or letter of thanks at Amillionthanks.org
- ship a care package to a soldier through Uso.org/donate
- write an uplifting message at Americasupportsyou.mil
Also, my husband and I have found through our travels, that when you see someone in uniform or meet someone who tells you they are a veteran, it means a lot to stop to say "thank you".

Lighthouse Lesson #10: Fermin Lighthouse in San Pedro, California

Fermin Lighthouse, Photo by Krenda

You and your kids will enjoy the picture perfect lighthouse in San Pedro Point Fermin Park called Fermin Lighthouse.  A British explorer George Vancouver influenced the name.  He wanted to honor Father Fermin Francisco de Lausen and named Point Fermin and Point Lasuen.  The Stick Style early Victorian architecture with gabled roofs, decorative cross beams, and overhanging eaves makes the building so charming for photos.  Then you have the beautiful blooming gardens surrounding and a view of the ocean.

Historically, the lighthouse had great purpose to aid safe passage between the Channel Islands and into the harbor.  You should definitely take a tour to hear the stories.  You will learn about the first lighthouse keepers, sisters Mary and Ella Smith.  You can climb the winding steps and admire the ocean view and coastline in a tower standing 30 feet above ground.

Built in 1874, the lighthouse has a history of survival.  Twice saved by advocates from demolition.  Once the Fresnel Light taken off sight, missing, and later proven as the Fermin Fresnel light and returned to original location.  To avoid aiding our enemy submarines, ships, or planes, most lights on the west coast extinguished during World War II.  The Fermin lighthouse lights extinguished two days after the 1941 Pearl Harbor attacks.  The lighthouse and light keeps advocates taking action.  In 2002, the lighthouse was restored and it re-opened in 2003.  With generous donations, the park also grew over time and now covers 37 acres.

Time your visit right.  Lighthouse is closed on Mondays.  Tours given at three specific times of 1PM, 2PM, and 3PM.  Donation requested.  If you want to see other lighthouses with Victorian design, also consider visiting East Brothers (San Francisco Bay) and Hereford Light (New Jersey).

The lighthouse is a short drive from the Korean Friendship Bell which also has architectural interest and history, so read my story about our visit to the bell.

Women Inspiring Women, Read all about It

Inspiring Books for Marketers:

Author Mary Lou Quinlan made her debut of her new book What She's Not Telling You at a Procter & Gamble marketing training that I attended.

She inspired us all to do power listening and search for the whole truth. Mary Lou writes about the risks of relying on focus groups and 'literal listening'. I agree, you need to understand at a much deeper level.

I hope the book inspires you too. My favorite quote is "start marketing with women, and stop marketing to them."

I was the Tampax Pearl Assistant Brand Manager and the book mentions one of my commercials as an example in the section about secrets/silent pride (Thanks Mary Lou!): "While it's an easy laugh to see women trying not to be seen buying a pregnancy kit in a drugstore, more marketers in the feminine categories would be wise to help her keep a little dignity in the aisle or "pink ghetto" as Jen calls it. Perhaps the best efforts belong to TAMPAX, who've taken a cue from the youner women's comfort with "down there" and lightened up the tone of the category with commercials that brought tampons front and center, like using one to stop a leak in a rowboat on a date, so that no one needs to feel weird in the drugstore aisle." (page 138, What She's Not Telling You by Mary Lou Quinlan, Jen Drexter, and Tracy Chapman).

If you want to read more about the author, visit http://www.justaskawoman.com/
and if you click on the blog tab, you can read the first chapter for free.

If you want to read more about the commercial, visit the Effie Award website www.effie.org/winners/showcase/2005/56