National Pearl Harbor Day of Remembrance

National Pearl Harbor Day of Remembrance is observed annually on December 7. This day honors the 2,403 United States citizens who were killed in the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, in 1941. It is a time for the nation to pause and reflect on the sacrifices made by military personnel and civilians during a pivotal moment in American history.

History of National Pearl Harbor Day of Remembrance

On the morning of December 7, 1941, the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service launched a surprise military strike against the United States Naval Station Pearl Harbor in Honolulu. The attack began at 7:55 a.m. and lasted nearly two hours. Japanese planes targeted battleships, cruisers, and aircraft, resulting in significant devastation to the US Pacific Fleet. The assault claimed the lives of 2,403 Americans, including sailors, soldiers, and civilians, and left another 1,178 wounded. Two battleships, the USS Arizona and the USS Utah, were permanently lost in the harbor.

The following day, President Franklin D. Roosevelt addressed Congress and the nation, famously describing the date as one that would live in infamy. The attack led directly to the United States declaring war on Japan and officially entering World War II, ending years of American isolationism. In 1994, the United States Congress designated December 7 as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day to ensure the memory of the attack and the lives lost would be preserved for future generations.

Why is National Pearl Harbor Day of Remembrance important?

This observance serves as a solemn tribute to the men and women who died during the attack and those who fought in the ensuing global conflict. It acknowledges the immediate and catastrophic loss of life that occurred on American soil, reminding citizens of the heavy cost of war. The day also honors the resilience of the survivors and the swift mobilization of the American people, who unified to support the war effort in the factories and on the front lines.

Beyond the immediate tragedy, this day marks a significant turning point in global geopolitics. The attack forced the United States onto the world stage as a primary defender of democracy, fundamentally shifting the nation’s role in international affairs. Remembering this event encourages a deeper understanding of the strategic and human complexities of World War II, ensuring that the lessons learned from the conflict remain relevant today.

• honors the thousands of service members and civilians who died
• marks the entry of the united states into world war ii
• recognizes the resilience and unity of the american people
• reminds citizens to appreciate the cost of freedom and peace
• educates new generations about significant historical events

How to Observe National Pearl Harbor Day of Remembrance

The most common way to observe this day is by flying the United States flag at half-staff from sunrise to sunset. Many Americans also participate in a moment of silence at exactly 7:55 a.m., the specific time the attack commenced. Communities often hold memorial services, wreath-laying ceremonies, and educational programs to pay respects to the fallen and the few remaining survivors of the attack.

Individuals can also observe the day by visiting war memorials, museums, or historical sites dedicated to World War II. Learning more about the personal stories of those who served helps keep their memory alive. Libraries and media outlets often feature documentaries, books, and archival footage that provide context and insight into the events of 1941, offering a way for families to engage with history together.

• fly the american flag at half-staff until sunset
• observe a moment of silence at 7:55 in the morning
• attend a local memorial service or wreath ceremony
• visit a nearby military museum or historical site
• read historical accounts or watch documentaries about the war

National Pearl Harbor Day of Remembrance Dates Table