HONOLULU -- The USS Arizona Memorial is one of the most sacred places in the pantheon of American history.

The fact that there are the remains of 1,177 sailors and marines interred in the sunken battleship imparts a solemnity that washes over the first time visitor.

For the members of the Manchester Central Band, the knowledge that one of their alumni, Seaman First Class Joseph Rozmus, class of 1939, lies there gives them a tangible connection to a destination that has been the focus of so much hard work. To finally be here has brought it all together and inspired a quiet demeanor that is unusual for such a group of youngsters.

The group was greeted by chief historian of the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, Daniel Martinez, who spoke passionately of the historical and emotional importance of the events that took place here 70 years ago.

Revealing his own passion, he said that if these students are not active participants in our democracy then the sacrifices of the dead are in vain. He reminded them that we have been at peace with our former enemies since the end of World War II. The anger and hatred from that conflict has finally been put aside by the “Greatest Generation,” bringing about healing for many.

► Click here to view photos from the Central band's trip to Pearl Harbor.

With those sentiments fresh in their minds, members of the band took a motor launch to the Arizona Memorial where they saw the oil that still seeps from the wreck.

Even more poignant was standing before a huge wall with the names of all the dead lying below the waters at their feet. They had no trouble finding Joseph Rozmus’ name before they lined the portals of the memorial to drop lei blossoms in his memory. When they returned to shore the band performed their selection of music for the visitors to the memorial park and later traveled to Ford Island where the battleship USS Utah lies partially submerged to perform a specially arranged concert at the site, with no audience present, to pay tribute to Seaman David Crosett, class of 1936, who died aboard that fateful day.

While this series of stories has focused on the ceremonies and solemnity of the trip the youngsters have experienced, there have been fun times too. They have been staying in a fine hotel in the heart of the Waikiki Beach district, with shops and clubs and beautiful beaches within steps.

The tour schedule is hectic with very little unstructured free time but plenty of fun built into each day and evening. The kids have taken it all in stride from the grueling flight here, the 4:30 a.m. wake-up calls, 10 p.m. curfews, and dinners out at great clubs — what’s not to like!

The chaperones of course are getting exhausted from the pace, not with having to deal with any problems with their charges.

Central High Principal Ron Mailhot, a chaperone, offered this comment — “These kids have been perfect in every way — their performances, keeping the schedules and above all their behavior, they’ve made me very proud of them”.